Edo state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the payment of gratuities owed to pensioners since 2012, saying his administration has resolved to prioritise the welfare of retired civil servants who dedicated their years of service to the state.
Okpebholo also announced the commencement of the disbursement of N1 billion for the first batch of payments and said the exercise is in fulfillment of his commitment to clear the backlog inherited from previous administrations.
He reaffirmed that his administration’s goal was to clear all outstanding gratuities in phases, ensuring that retirees enjoy the fruits of their labour.
The governor stated this in a statement issued Tuesday by his chief press secretary, Mr. Fred Itua, and said the move will address the long-standing plight of retired civil servants in the state.
The statement quoted some pensioners as expressing relief and gratitude to the governor over the development.
It reads in part: “For over a decade, many of our retirees have suffered due to the non-payment of their gratuities.
“This administration is putting an end to that hardship. I have approved the release of N1 billion for the first phase of payments, and we will not rest until all outstanding entitlements are cleared.”