In a festive gesture aimed at enhancing the well-being of state workers, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has declared a two-week holiday for civil servants to celebrate Christmas and usher in the New Year. The announcement was made on Tuesday in Makurdi, as part of the governor’s Christmas message to the citizens of Benue. The holiday period is set to begin on December 24 and will conclude on January 6, 2025.
Governor Alia articulated that this extended break is not just for celebration but also for productivity. He encouraged state employees to utilize this time not only to enjoy the holidays with their families but also to engage in agricultural pursuits. This, he believes, will contribute to enhancing food production and tackling poverty within the state. “In the spirit of the Yuletide and in conjunction with the Benue Executive Council, I’m pleased to announce an elongated Christmas and New Year holiday for the state workforce. This decision underscores our commitment to supporting the well-being of our workers,” Alia stated.
He further elaborated on the dual purpose of the holiday, emphasizing, “While you enjoy this festive season with your loved ones, it is also expected that the holiday will afford you time to attend to your various agricultural engagements.” This initiative reflects a broader vision of integrating holiday time with economic activities, aiming for a sustainable impact on the state’s economy.
However, Governor Alia did not overlook the need for essential services to continue functioning. He highlighted that providers of these services, including banks, energy companies, security agencies, healthcare facilities, telecommunications, fire services, and the water board, would organize their schedules to ensure that there are no disruptions during the holiday period.
Moreover, the governor called upon the citizens of Benue to maintain a spirit of love, peace, and unity, emphasizing the importance of collective commitment to the state’s development. His message was one of optimism and prayer for a peaceful and joyous celebration of the festive season, hoping it would set a positive tone for the upcoming year.
This holiday declaration by Governor Alia is not just a gesture of goodwill but a strategic move to blend festivity with productivity, ensuring that the spirit of Christmas and the New Year in Benue is both celebrated and utilized for community betterment.
This is outrageous! Why should civil servants get a two-week holiday just for the festive season? Other workers dont get this luxury.
Civil servants work hard all year, they deserve a break too. Stop the envy.
I think Governor Alias decision is unfair to taxpayers. Civil servants already have enough holidays. What about essential services?
Honestly, giving civil servants a two-week holiday seems excessive. Shouldnt they be working to serve the people? Just my two cents.
They deserve a break too. Happy employees provide better service. Dont be so quick to judge.
I think Governor Alia is being too generous with the holiday. Do civil servants really need that much time off?
Mind your own business. Let people enjoy their break without your judgment.
I cant believe Governor Alia did this! What about productivity? Shouldnt civil servants work during the festive season too?
I think its great that Governor Alia is giving civil servants a break! Let them enjoy the festive season too. Rest and recharge, people!
This is ridiculous! Why should civil servants get a two-week holiday just for the festive season? Other workers dont get that luxury.
Is this really necessary? Giving civil servants a two-week holiday seems excessive. Shouldnt they be working to serve the people?
They deserve a break too. Happy employees provide better service. Relax!
I think Governor Alias decision is unfair to private sector workers who dont get the same holiday privileges. #EqualityForAll
Private sector workers have different benefits. Governors can prioritize public sector employees. #DifferentSectorsDifferentRules