Edo Pays Gratuities to Teachers, LG Retirees

Edo State is taking decisive action to address the long-standing issue of unpaid gratuities for its retired teachers and local government workers. Governor Monday Okpebholo has demonstrated a strong commitment to rectifying this oversight by releasing N1 billion specifically for the payment of retirees who left service in 2012. This significant disbursement brings much-needed relief to beneficiaries, many of whom have waited years to receive their due entitlements.

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What we are paying is gratuity to pensioners and teachers who retired way back. Governor Okpebholo said it was unfortunate that gratuity was allowed to accumulate this much.

The current payment initiative extends beyond the 2012 retirees. Recognizing the prolonged delays, the state has also included pensioners who retired between 2009 and 2011, ensuring that all previous backlogs are systematically cleared. Furthermore, in a compassionate gesture, retirees from 2013 who are currently critically ill have also been prioritized for payment, reflecting the administration's empathy and dedication to its former civil servants.

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The governor promised that another N1 billion will be released once we commence this payment. This means that it will be a continuous exercise.

Chairman of the Local Government Staff Pension Bureau, Kabiru Adjoto, confirmed the governor's unwavering resolve to tackle the gratuity backlog. He announced that Governor Okpebholo has pledged to release an additional N1 billion to cover the payments for 2013 retirees, signaling a continuous effort to settle all outstanding obligations. This commitment aims to make Edo State a model for prompt and fair payment of retirement benefits across Nigeria.

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We discovered that there were some people who retired from 2009 to 2011 who had not been paid. We brought the backlog and cleared all of it. Before Friday this week, Governor Okpebholo said he will release another N1bn.

Adjoto also issued a stern warning against any form of extortion, cautioning pensioners against paying officials to expedite their claims. He emphasized that such actions are criminal and urged anyone demanding a percentage for payment to be reported to the pension bureau. The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, through its Chairman Samuel Okhuelegbe, expressed gratitude for the governor's initiative and called for sustained support to ensure the welfare of retirees.

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The governor wants Edo to be a model for Nigeria. Okpebholo is serious about gratuity. He is not happy about the accumulation. You will get your money. We have a government that is willing and determined to pay. I appeal to you to be patient.