Veterinary doctors demand payment of accumulated arrears in Kogi

Veterinary doctors in Kogi State have appealed to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to pay all accumulated arrears owed to them by the state government.

The Kogi State Chairman of the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Dr Tolu Omotugba, made the appeal on Wednesday in Lokoja at a press conference.

He said, “We extend our profound gratitude to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, for his approval and prompt implementation of the 2021 Revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for our members within the Kogi State Civil Service.

“This gesture underscores His Excellency’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of Kogi State workers and his recognition of the pivotal role the veterinary profession plays in the state’s economic prosperity.

“This approval has motivated us to carry out our duties with renewed enthusiasm and the highest level of dedication. We respectfully urge His Excellency to utilize his esteemed office to ensure the prompt payment of the accumulated arrears since the salary structure’s implementation in January 2021.”

“An approval was given for the payment of these arrears. We appeal to Governor Ododo to speedily implement these arrears for 30 veterinary doctors. We are not asking for too much.”

He called on Governor Ododo to leverage the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to establish a similar ministry in Kogi State and appoint a credible veterinarian as its commissioner.

“We have many herders in Kogi State. This ministry will go a long way in ensuring peace among herders and farmers. The ministry should be headed by a veterinary doctor,” Omotugba added.

Omotugba admonished Governor Ododo to continue with the exemplary work he has initiated in Kogi State while the civil servants prepare to lead his reelection campaign in 2027