Anambra State Gov. Willie Obiano said he has given approval for the payment of salaries and allowances to civil servants in the state before December 25.
He made the disclosure on Sunday during the dedication of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish, Agu-Awka, Awka.
Obiano, who was represented by the Head of Service in Anambra, Mr. Harry Udu, explained that he took the step to ensure workers in the state celebrated Christmas and New Year happily.
Udu said: “The governor has the interest of the masses at heart, that is why he made it a priority that the state is safe security wise and with the rains over, there will be increased activities on road repairs.
“And for the workers, the important news is that the governor has authorised the payment of all their entitlements by Dec. 15 and a scheduled had been prepared for that purpose.
“It contains when November salary will paid, when leave allowances will be paid and when December salary will be paid all on or before Dec. 15. This is to ensure that we cerebrate Christmas in a very stress-free manner as usual,” he said.
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In his homily, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor of the Awka Catholic Diocese, urged Christians to be prayerful at all times even as he admonished Catholic faithful to embrace the sacraments of reconciliation and holy communion.
The Bishop who lamented that sin remained a huge baggage in the life of every Christian noted that it was only through constant prayers and meditation that humans would know the mind of God and live according to His purpose.
He encouraged called Christians to contribute their God-given talents towards the propagation of the gospel.
He also commended all those who contributed in one way or the other towards the completion of the Church building.
“Apart from coming to pray in the church, it is important that we get used to God so that he will recognize us as His people.
“We thank God that today, the mustard seed planted in 1998 as an outstation has grown to become an Iroko parish with nine outstations and zones.
“We pray that this Church will be a place of worship where our prayers and offerings will be acceptable to God,” the Bishop said.
