By Nelson Ogbu
The Special Adviser, Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Benue State, Elder Jerome Tor Shimbe, today commissioned a befitting drivers lounge at the premises of the Bureau.
He as well assured staff of the resolve of the Governor Samuel Ortom led administration to prioritize improved welfare of workers in the state in order to stimulate maximum output.
Represented by the Permnanent Secretary of the Bureau, Mr. Elvis Attah, Tor Shimbe who disclosed that the Drivers apartment was built by the management of the bureau under his watch, also explained that the decision to build a lounge for the drivers despite the paucity of funds in the Bureau was borne out of the need to provide a conducive environment for them owing to the stressful nature of their jobs, urging them to put the facility into judicious use.
Speaking in his capacity as the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau, Mr. Elvis Attah cautioned against turning the edifice into a rumor mill, adding that the staff should not be carried away by the comfort of the facility to sleep on duty restating that he would continue to push for the wefare of all members of staff.
He thanked the Governor for graciously financing the project despite the current financial challenges in the state and commended the management team for ensuring that the project was completed through direct labour.
The Head Driver of the Bureau, Mr. Jonathan Mandaki who spoke on behalf of his colleagues said the Drivers were overwhelmed by the kind disposition of the Governor and Special Adviser of the bureau for providing a conducive office for them and lamented that prior to this gesture they had to grapple with the harsh weather especially during the heavy rains and harmattan seasons and promised that the provision of the facility would spur them for greater productivity.
Principal Special Assistant to the Governor in the Bureau, Mr. Moses Enenche, while dedicating the facility to God, prayed that God should protect the Drivers against accidents in the discharge of their duties.
