By Odita Sunday
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has flagged off the payment of the first tranche of benefits to staff of the Colleges of Education in Ekiadolor and Igueben, who were disengaged under controversial circumstances by the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki.
Confirming the development in a statement on Monday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, said the move underscores the administration’s commitment to fairness, justice, and the welfare of its workforce.
According to the government, a total sum of ₦4.6 billion has been earmarked for the settlement of entitlement benefits of 714 affected staff. This includes 682 pensioners from the College of Education, Ekiadolor, and 32 pensioners from the College of Education, Igueben. The payment is being made in four tranches of ₦1,164,507,285.17 each, with the first tranche already disbursed in line with provisions of the Pension Act of Nigeria.
In a related development, Governor Okpebholo also approved the immediate release of ₦292 million as the second tranche of pension entitlements to disengaged staff of the Colleges of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi and Agenebode. The payment is scheduled to be effected on or before Wednesday this week.
So far, the State Government has released a total of ₦1.4 billion to the four Colleges of Education, bringing relief to hundreds of families and reaffirming its resolve to prioritize the welfare of citizens who have dedicated their years of service to the growth of Edo State.
The Governor described the intervention as part of his administration’s reform drive to reposition the education sector while restoring dignity to those adversely affected by past policies.
The Edo State Government reassured all stakeholders, especially retirees and disengaged staff of State-owned institutions, that every legitimate entitlement will be fully settled.