Okpebholo releases N1bn for Edo pensioners’ gratuities

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has allocated N1 billion to continue the payment of gratuity arrears owed to retired local government and primary school workers, specifically targeting the 2012 batch. The announcement was made by Kabiru Adjoto, Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, during a meeting with representatives from various pensioner unions.

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Today’s event is another clear demonstration of the unwavering commitment of the Government of Edo State, under the purposeful leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to the welfare and well-being of workers and retirees who devoted the greater part of their lives to the service of our dear State.

Adjoto highlighted that the current administration's strategy of paying gratuities in installments is a continuation of efforts to clear the backlog. He stated that the governor's approval and release of the N1 billion demonstrates an "unwavering commitment" to the welfare of retirees who have served the state. This additional funding will enable the Pension Bureau to sustain the payment process, covering remaining beneficiaries from the 2012 batch and potentially progressing to subsequent batches.

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Following the successful commencement of gratuity payments to retirees in the 2012 batch early this year, I am pleased to announce that His Excellency has graciously approved and released N1 billion to sustain the exercise.

The governor's intervention is presented as a resolve to gradually eliminate outstanding gratuities. Adjoto assured retirees that the government remains committed to addressing the backlog, subject to fund availability. He acknowledged that significant work remains but expressed encouragement from the governor's consistent support.

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This additional intervention will enable the Pension Bureau to continue the payment process, covering the remaining beneficiaries in the 2012 batch and beyond.

Representatives from the Nigerian Union of Pensioners and the National Union of Local Government Employees commended Governor Okpebholo for the initiative. However, they also appealed for increased releases in the future to expedite the clearance of all outstanding gratuity arrears. The unions expressed their appreciation for the governor's efforts to ensure retirees receive their due benefits.

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While we acknowledge that much remains to be done, we are encouraged by the consistent support and commitment of His Excellency. We therefore assure all retirees whose gratuities are still outstanding that the Government remains committed to sustaining this exercise until the backlog is substantially addressed, subject to the availability of funds.