The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the immediate release of N10 billion to clear outstanding pension arrears owed to retirees in the state.
The governor disclosed this on Tuesday during a meeting with the Pension Board, led by the Chairman, Bureau of State Pensions, Mr Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, and the State Chairman of the Association of Contributory Retirees, Anthony Osanekwu.
Oborevwori said he convened the meeting to address pressing issues concerning the welfare of retirees, including payment of backlogs and migration challenges under the contributory pension scheme.
He said, “So far, a total of N36.4 billion had been paid in pensions, and N1.4 billion was released for payment of pensions monthly since I assumed office.
“The state has not defaulted in meeting its monthly pension obligations under my watch.
“Our retirees are men and women who gave their best years in service to the state.
“It is only just that they receive what is duly owed to them, and under my watch, their welfare will remain top priority.”
To guarantee accountability, the governor announced the constitution of an oversight team to supervise the implementation of the N10 billion release, stressing that transparency would be strictly upheld.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of senior citizens who had laboured in the service of Delta State.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Bureau for State Pension, Mr Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, described the governor’s announcement as a “pleasant surprise,” assuring all that the N10 billion release would serve as a huge relief to retirees.
He further pledged that the funds would be used exclusively for pension payments, stressing that the system was programmed to ensure transparency and accountability.
The state chairman of the Association of Contributory Retirees, Anthony Osanekwu, thanked the governor for what he described as an unexpected and magnanimous gesture.
Recall that the retirees in the state have been lamenting over the unpaid pensions from 2012 to date
