Edo State Begins Gratuity Payments for 2012 Retirees

The Edo State government has initiated gratuity payments for retirees from 2012, marking the first such payment after a 14-year delay. An initial tranche of N1 billion has been released for this purpose.

Governor Mondai Okpebholo, during a press briefing in Benin City, expressed gratitude towards retirees for their patience and understanding despite the prolonged delay. He highlighted the government's commitment to addressing longstanding pension challenges and ensuring that retirees are not forgotten.

Kabiru Adjoto, the chairman of the local government staff pension bureau, noted that this payment represents a significant step in alleviating the financial burden on the government due to the increasing number of retirees. The governor assured that gratuity payments would henceforth be regular and systematic, contrasting with previous administrations.

Mike Olekial, a representative of local government retirees, urged the governor to continue these payments to ease the plight of pensioners, while Pastor Claudiett Ehanir emphasized the need for dedicated oversight of retirees' welfare.