The Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has approved the release of ₦4.6 billion and an additional ₦292 million as pension entitlements for disengaged staff of state-owned tertiary institutions, including the Colleges of Education, Ekiadolor and Igueben, as well as the Colleges of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi and Agenebode.
The Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, who disclosed this during a media parley at Government House in Benin City, said the gesture reflects the Governor’s deep concern for the welfare of civil and public servants in the state.
He explained that the approval has lifted a long-standing burden from affected retirees, recalling how the Governor immediately prioritized the matter when it was first presented to him.
“The implication of this decision, when compared to other pressing responsibilities such as infrastructure and road development, shows the Governor’s commitment to people over politics. This is not an easy feat, and for this, we are very grateful,” Dr. Okungbowa stated.
The Head of Service emphasized that the move would boost morale within the Service, adding that how a government treats its retirees sends a strong message to those still serving. According to him, “When a government treats its retired officers well, it reassures those still in service that they too will be treated with dignity at the end of their careers. This has a way of uplifting morale and strengthening commitment.”
He urged civil and public servants to rededicate themselves to service delivery, stressing that the impression citizens take away from their interactions with civil servants often shapes their perception of government performance.
Breakdown of the approvals shows that 682 pensioners from the College of Education, Ekiadolor, and 32 from the College of Education, Igueben are beneficiaries of the ₦4.6 billion payout, which will be disbursed in four tranches of ₦1.16 billion each. The first tranche has already been released in line with the provisions of the Pension Act.
Similarly, the ₦292 million approved for the Colleges of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi and Agenebode represents the second tranche of payments to disengaged staff of the institutions.
The intervention has been hailed as a landmark welfare achievement under the Governor’s administration, reinforcing the SHINE Agenda’s focus on people-centered governance.
📩 Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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