Edo State Releases N1 Billion for Teacher Gratuities

The Edo State Government, under Governor Godwin Obaseki, has recently released N1 billion to pay gratuities to teachers and local government retirees who retired between 2009 and 2011. This payment aims to address a significant backlog of unpaid pensions that had accumulated, particularly affecting retirees from 2012 and 2013.

Kabiru Adjoto, the chairman of the Local Government Staff Pension Bureau, presented the cheques to beneficiaries, who expressed their gratitude, with some reportedly moved to tears. Governor Obaseki highlighted the necessity of clearing these outstanding payments to ensure a more efficient pension system in Edo State.

He assured that the government would continue to release funds to address the backlog, emphasizing that the N1 billion payment is part of a broader commitment to improve the state's pension framework. Samuel Okhuelegb, representing the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, thanked the governor for the payments and called for continued support for the state government.