Two hundred and sixty three civil servants in Sokoto State have benefited from home renovation loans facilitated by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and undertaken by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).
Speaking at an event organised to disburse the loans, the governor stated that the loan was meant for workers to renovate their houses to habitable status.
He said the state government facilitated the sum of N243,100,000 from FMBN for a total number of 263 staff across ministries, department and agencies (MDAs) to whom cheques were presented at the occasion.
According to him, the present administration has placed much emphasis on staff welfare, and will continue to introduce policies that will lead to improved productivity of workers in the state.
While commending the state Head of Service for introducing innovative programmes to improve the service, Tambuwal said government will continue to reward hard work and also punish those who do not measure up to standards.
Meanwhile, six staff, three from the junior and senior cadre each and working in different ministries, received monetary gifts and merit awards for their diligence and punctuality in their places of primary assignments.
In the junior cadre, Abubakar Dan Umaji emerged the third best most diligent worker in the state civil service. He received the sum of N250,000 and merit certificate.
Malam Hassan Hamza, now deceased, emerged second best. He was awarded a post-humors certificate of honour while a Hajj seat has been awarded to one of his family members.
Bello Ketere emerged the best worker and was awarded a piece of land, five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000) and a merit certificate.
The senior cadre saw Usman Magaji of state ministry of finance emerging best worker in the state. He was awarded a house and N750,000 gift from the Governor.
Other award recipients in the senior category were Ahmed Rafi who got the sum of N500,000 and a merit certificate and Mohammed Gagi who got a Hajj seat, the sum of N100,000 and a merit certificate.