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.
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