Okpebholo approves gratuity payment after 12-year delay — that’s the headline making waves across Edo State. After more than a decade of waiting, pensioners in the state are finally receiving long-overdue payments. Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the disbursement of N1 billion, fulfilling a promise to end the hardship of retired civil servants who have suffered in silence since 2012.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the Edo State government confirmed that the first batch of payments has begun. The sum of N1 billion is the starting point in clearing the huge backlog of gratuities left by past administrations.
Governor Okpebholo stated, “I have approved the release of N1 billion for the first phase of payments, and we will not rest until all outstanding entitlements are cleared.”
Okpebholo Ends Pensioner Suffering
The administration said it is focused on retired workers who gave their best to public service. These pensioners had been neglected for years, and many believed they had been forgotten. However, Okpebholo approves gratuity payment after 12-year delay to restore their dignity and give them what they deserve.
“For over a decade, many of our retirees have suffered due to the non-payment of their gratuities. This administration is putting an end to that hardship,” the statement read.
The state government said payments would be made in phases, based on a structured verification process. Each batch will be disbursed fairly and transparently, so that no eligible retiree is left out.
Okpebholo Says ‘This Is Just the Beginning’
“We recognise the sacrifices made by our retirees, and it is unacceptable that they have had to wait this long for what is rightfully theirs,” Okpebholo said. He added that new systems will be put in place to prevent future delays in pension and gratuity payments.
The governor reiterated that Okpebholo approves gratuity payment after 12-year delay not just to settle old debts, but to show a new commitment to retired civil servants. He promised that this is just the beginning of structured, regular payments and respect for those who have served Edo State.
“This is just the beginning. We will not abandon our pensioners. We are determined to ensure that those who served Edo State diligently are treated with the respect and care they deserve,” he added.
With Okpebholo approving gratuity payment after 12-year delay, Edo pensioners now have a reason to hope again. The years of neglect may finally be behind them.
