Edo Govt releases N1.5b for payment of arrears of pensions of local government pensioners

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has ordered the release of N1.5 billion for the payment of arrears of pension of retired local government staff.

Governor Obaseki celebration had on May 1 during the Workers Day celebration, promised to to make the money available.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Jimoh Ijegbai, disclosed this in Benin City on Friday, while addressing the association of local government pensioners.

Ijegbai said the money released covers eight months arrears of 4,340 local government pensioners in the state.

“You will recall that on May 1, 2018, during the May Day celebration, the governor made a promise to release N1.5 billion to clear part of the local government pensioners’ arrears in the state. I am glad to announce to you that the money has been released for immediate payment.”

He explained that after Governor Obaseki met with the pensioners, a meeting was called and screening of the pensioners commenced. He said screening had been completed and payment would commence shortly.

The commissioner noted that the release of the money by the governor to pay pension arrears is unprecedented in the history of Edo State, adding that since Governor Obaseki assumed duty, he has not defaulted in the payment of monthly pension.

L-R: Secretary, Edo State Pensioners’ Association; T.E Uwagboe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, A. I. Omoruyi; Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Jimoh Ijegbai; President, Local Government Pensioners’ Association, Frederick I. Akinido; Secretary, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Pensioners’ Association, Jude Osayi Ahabue, after the commissioner’s meeting with local government pensioners in Benin City, on Friday, May 25, 2018
L-R: Secretary, Edo State Pensioners’ Association; T.E Uwagboe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, A. I. Omoruyi; Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Jimoh Ijegbai; President, Local Government Pensioners’ Association, Frederick I. Akinido; Secretary, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Pensioners’ Association, Jude Osayi Ahabue, after the commissioner’s meeting with local government pensioners in Benin City, on Friday, May 25, 2018

“As at today, we pay 264 million naira monthly to offset pensioners’ entitlements in the state, and we will continue to pay until we clear the outstanding arrears,” he assured.

The President of Local Government Pensioners’ Association (Edo State) Frank Akinido, thanked the governor for keeping to his promise to pay pensioners their arrears and for remembering them in the scheme of things.

He assured the governor that the state local government pensioners are peace-loving citizens.

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