Edo State disburses N1 billion to settle retirees' entitlements under Okpebholo's administration

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has allocated N1bn to facilitate the ongoing payment of gratuity arrears to retired local government and primary school workers from the 2012 batch.

n

This development was announced by Kabiru Adjoto, Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, during a meeting with representatives of various unions on Friday.

n

Adjoto noted that adopting the current government's instalment-based payment strategy could have prevented the accumulation of gratuity arrears if the previous administration had implemented it.

n

The latest release of funds underscores the state government's commitment to the welfare of workers and retirees, as evidenced by the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo, according to Adjoto.

n

Following the initial payment of gratuities to 2012 batch retirees earlier this year, the governor has approved an additional N1 billion to continue the payment process, covering the remaining beneficiaries in the 2012 batch and beyond.

n

This move demonstrates the governor's determination to gradually clear the backlog of outstanding gratuities owed to retirees who have served the state meritoriously, Adjoto explained.

n

While acknowledging that more work needs to be done, Adjoto expressed encouragement at the consistent support from the governor and assured retirees that the government is committed to sustaining the payment exercise until the backlog is substantially addressed, subject to fund availability.

n

Claudette Ehannire of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners and Jude Ahabue, Secretary of the National Union of Local Government Employees, responded on behalf of the unions, praising the governor for his intervention in the matter.

n

The union representatives appealed for increased subsequent releases to enable the speedy clearance of outstanding gratuity arrears, building on the governor's initial intervention.