Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has initiated the payment of outstanding gratuities owed to retired civil servants, a long-awaited move aimed at addressing a 12-year backlog. The first phase of payments, totaling N1 billion, has begun, fulfilling a crucial commitment made by the current administration.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized the significance of this payment in alleviating the financial hardship faced by pensioners who have been waiting for their entitlements since 2012. “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,” Governor Okpebholo stated, confirmed that the payment process would be carried out in phases, starting with N1 billion for the first batch.
The Governor also assured pensioners that his administration was committed to ensuring that such delays would not occur in the future. He reaffirmed that the disbursement would be transparent, with pensioners receiving their payments after a structured verification process.
A number of pensioners expressed their relief, with Mr. Patrick Edobor, a retired principal, described the payment as a lifeline. “For years, we have been waiting for this moment. Many of our colleagues passed away while hoping for their gratuities. I commend the Governor for taking this bold step,” Edobor remarked.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in Governor Okpebholo’s efforts to restore the dignity of retired civil servants and ensure that they receive the benefits they have earned through years of dedicated service to the state.
