Edo State Governor, Mr. Monday Okpebholo, has approved the long-awaited payment of gratuities to pensioners, addressing a backlog that dates back to 2012. The payment, which has been a source of significant hardship for retired civil servants in the state, marks a major step towards alleviating the financial struggles of many pensioners.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the Edo State Government confirmed the commencement of gratuity disbursements, with the first batch of payments amounting to N1 billion. This disbursement is part of the governor’s commitment to clear the accumulated gratuity arrears inherited from previous administrations.
Governor Okpebholo expressed his administration’s firm commitment to prioritising the welfare of retirees who have dedicated decades of service to the state, noting that the non-payment of gratuities for over a decade had caused undue hardship for many pensioners.
“For over 10 years, many of our retirees have been left suffering due to the non-payment of their gratuities. This administration is determined to bring an end to this longstanding issue,” Okpebholo said in the statement. “I have approved the release of N1 billion for the first phase of the payment, and we will continue to work tirelessly until all outstanding entitlements are cleared.”
The governor reaffirmed his dedication to restoring the dignity of pensioners by ensuring they receive their rightful benefits. He also assured the public that measures would be put in place to prevent such delays from occurring in the future.
“We recognise the sacrifices made by our retirees, and it is unacceptable that they have had to wait this long for what is rightfully theirs,” Okpebholo said. “Our administration is committed not only to clearing these arrears but also to ensuring that such delays do not happen again.”
The payment process will be carried out in phases, with a structured verification procedure to ensure transparency and fairness. Governor Okpebholo assured pensioners that they would receive their payments in batches and that the process would be conducted with the utmost integrity.
“This is just the beginning. We are determined to make sure our pensioners are treated with the respect they deserve. Those who served Edo State with dedication will not be abandoned,” he added.
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