Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has approved one week Easter holiday for all civil servants in the state, directing that workers close early yesterday, March 31, to enable them to celebrate the festivities.
The directive was contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Godwin Tighil, yesterday.
Governor Alia ordered that work should end at 1pm yesterday, marking the commencement of the Easter break for government workers across the state.
The statement noted that the gesture was to allow workers sufficient time to participate in activities marking the Easter celebration.
He, however, clarified that workers providing essential services were expected to remain at their duty posts to attend to matters concerning human needs and urgent public interests during the holiday period.
According to the statement, the exemption was necessary to ensure that critical services required by residents continue uninterrupted throughout the Easter holidays.
The state government further announced that normal official duties would resume on Wednesday, April 8, after the conclusion of the holiday period.
He also used the opportunity to extend Easter greetings to the people of Benue State, wishing them a peaceful and joyful celebration.
He urged citizens to use the occasion to reflect on the spiritual significance of Easter, emphasising the values of sacrifice, love and hope associated with the season.
The governor also called on residents to continue to pray for peace and unity in the state and across the country, stressing the need for collective efforts toward stability and development.
