The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr.Hakeem Muri-Okunola, has congratulated Muslim faithful on the occasion of the 1442 AH Eid-el-Kabir festival, urging them not to forget the symbolic significance of the celebration.
Muri-Okunola further counselled thatMuslims should take cognisance of the festival and imbibe the lessons of obedience and sacrifice as demonstrated by the Holy Prophet Ibrahim.
Calling on all Muslims to pray that Allahshould save the country from the resurgent Coronavirus pandemic, insecurity and other challenges facing the Nation, the HoS said, “In the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir celebration, I enjoin everyone to put aside all differences and embrace love, unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence”.
He commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his steadfastness, dedication and determination in steering the affairs of the State, noting that despite the burdenimposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on the State’s finance, severe restrictions on movement and the effects of the Statewide civil unrest of last year, the State Government ensured that the salaries and allowances of workers were prioritised and numerous welfare packages were also introduced.
The HoS outlined some of the welfare packages such as the release of 10 new buses for the use of workers in various arms of Government to ease transportation challenges, the release of land for construction of 608, 2-bedroom blocks of flats at Ayobo and 500 semi-detached apartments of 2-3 bedroom flats at Imota for the benefit of public and private sector workers, as well as the payment of 33 percent pension increment for all retirees on the Defined Benefit Scheme in Lagos State Public Service.
Others include the payment of the balance on Rent Allowance to pensioners who retired on or before 30th April 2000, and the recognition accorded Outstanding Officers with brand new car gifts in the just concluded Public Service Week.
While thanking Lagos State public servants for their continued support of the government’s plans, policies and programmes, Muri-Okunola maintained that Lagos State will remain Nigeria’s Centre of Excellence with the level of dedication and commitment by public servants.
He solicited continued support towards achieving the Greater Lagos vision of the present administration, urging everyone to adhere strictly to all the COVID-19 protocols as stated by the National Council for Disease Control and the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
