By Praise Chinecherem
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Zara Stores Ltd, Awka, Anambra State, Chief Akai Egwuonwu has announced his plans to commence payment of N70,000 Minimum Wage to his workers.
He explained that the payment would take effect from November 2024 as he had put every machinery in motion for a successful implementation of the new salary scale.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday over his view on payment of minimum wage which the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Federal Government agreed on after a long haggle, Egwuonwu said his decision was in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s developmental agenda.
“My decision to implement the new salary structure bordered on my consideration of economic hardship in the country and my own contribution to cushion the effects on my workers,” said Egwuonwu who doubles as CEO of Stine Industries Ltd, producers of Anambra Rice.
Also speaking, Assistant Manager of the company, Ifeoma Ezema expressed gratitude to Egwuonwu for having the interest of his workers at heart.
She said Zara Stores and other companies belonging to the CEO could boast of the highest quality products with the lowest prices without compromise.
“Chief Egwuonwu is the first operator in the private sector to pay the minimum wage in Anambra and some other States across the country,” she claimed.
