Culled From Negroid Heaven
The Cross River Internal Revenue Service has introduced a group life and health insurance scheme for its ad hoc staff as part of efforts to strengthen workers’ welfare and improve productivity within the agency.
Chairman of the Service, Edwin Okon, disclosed this on Friday in Calabar during the presentation of a ₦1.4 million group life insurance benefit to the widow of a deceased ad hoc staff member, Mr. Charles Ugbe.
Okon described the initiative as the first of its kind in the agency, explaining that the decision was taken in recognition of the contributions and commitment of ad hoc staff to the revenue drive of the state.
According to him, the insurance scheme was designed to provide financial assistance and medical support for workers during emergencies while also reducing the burden on families of deceased employees.
He stated that the Service had also introduced health insurance packages and mid-month transport bonuses to cushion the effects of the current economic realities on staff members.
The CRIRS chairman noted that the improved welfare measures had significantly boosted workers’ morale and productivity, contributing to the increase in the state’s internally generated revenue from ₦22 billion to ₦57 billion.
Okon further said the insurance initiative would encourage accountability and discourage corrupt practices by providing workers with a stronger sense of financial security.
“I urge workers to invest in insurance and savings schemes that can secure their children’s education and future needs,” he said.
He commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for supporting reforms aimed at improving workers’ welfare and strengthening the operations of the revenue service.
The chairman also expressed hope that the welfare initiatives would be institutionalised to ensure continuity beyond the present administration.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Mr. Orok Okon, represented by Mrs. Lucy Enakirerhi, Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, praised the extension of welfare packages to ad hoc workers, describing it as a step that would improve workers’ commitment and sense of belonging.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Cross River State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke, represented by Mr. Kingsley Eyibio, Permanent Secretary in the commission, described the initiative as timely and beneficial to workers.
He encouraged civil servants to adopt long-term insurance and investment plans to secure financial stability for their families.
Responding on behalf of the family, Mrs. Monica Ugbe, widow of the deceased staff member, thanked the CRIRS management for the support and pledged to use the funds judiciously for the welfare of her family.