The governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the payment of the first tranche benefits to staff of the Colleges of Education in Ekiadolor and Igueben, who were disengaged by the immediate-past administration of Godwin Obaseki.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, Fred Itua, announced this, saying the milestone reflects Okpebholo’s commitment to fairness, justice and welfare of its workforce.
“A total sum of N4.6 billion has been earmarked for the settlement of entitlement benefits of the affected staff. This covers 682 pensioners from the College of Education, Ekiadolor and 32 pensioners from the College of Education, Igueben. The payment, which will be made in four tranches, amounts to N1,164,507,285.17 per tranche.
“The first tranche has now been disbursed to both the disengaged staff and retirees of the two colleges, in strict adherence to the provisions of the Pension Act of Nigeria,” the statement added.
Besides, it disclosed that in further demonstration of its commitment to restoring dignity to those who served the state, Okpebholo has also approved the immediate release of N292 million as the second tranche of pension entitlements to disengaged staff of the Colleges of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi and Agenebode.
“The payment is scheduled to be effected on or before Wednesday this week. With this intervention, the state government has so far released N1.4 billion to the four colleges of education, bringing relief to hundreds of families and reaffirming its resolve to prioritise the welfare of citizens, who have dedicated their years of service to the growth of Edo State.
“This bold action by the Okpebholo-led administration is a continuation of the government’s reform drive to reposition the education sector, while ensuring that those who were impacted by earlier sackings are not left behind.
“It is also a reflection of the governor’s vision of a just, fair and prosperous Edo State, where equity and compassion are guiding principles of governance. The Edo State government reassures all stakeholders, especially retirees and disengaged staff of the state-owned institutions, that this process will be carried through to the end until every legitimate entitlement is fully settled,” the statement said.
