The Governor of Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the payment of the first tranche 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.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua in a statement issued Monday said a total sum of ₦4.6 billion has been earmarked for the settlement of entitlement benefits of the affected staff.
He added that this covers 682 pensioners from the College of Education, Ekiadolor, and 32 pensioners from the College of Education, Igueben.
Itua explained that the payment, which would be made in four tranches, amounts to ₦1,164,507,285.17 per tranche.
He noted: “The first tranche has now been disbursed to both the disengaged staff and retirees of the two Colleges, in strict adherence to the provisions of the Pension Act of Nigeria.
“In further demonstration of its commitment to restoring dignity to those who served the State, Governor Okpebholo has 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.
“With this intervention, the State Government has so far 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.”