Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has taken a major step toward easing the pain of retired civil servants by approving the payment of long-overdue gratuities. According to a statement issued on Monday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the state government has started the disbursement of N1 billion as the first batch of payments. These payments are aimed at settling gratuities owed to pensioners in the state since 2012.
The move has been widely applauded by many residents and retirees who say it signals a turning point in the long-standing struggle of pensioners to receive their entitlements. For more than a decade, thousands of retirees in Edo State have waited for their gratuities, many of whom have faced severe hardship due to the delay.
Governor Okpebholo stated that the welfare of retired civil servants is a top priority for his administration. He emphasised that the payment of these gratuities is not just a financial obligation but also a moral responsibility.
“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 governor said.
He continued, “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.”
The governor added that the goal of his administration is not only to clear the arrears but to ensure that such delays do not happen again in the future. According to him, pensioners deserve to enjoy the fruits of their labour without begging for what is rightfully theirs.
This latest development has brought hope to many retired civil servants who had almost given up on ever receiving their gratuities. For some, the delay meant struggling to pay for basic needs such as food, healthcare, and rent. The news of the gratuity payment has therefore come as a welcome relief.
The disbursement, the governor said, would be done in a transparent and fair manner. Pensioners will receive their payments in batches following a structured verification process to ensure that all eligible retirees are included.
Governor Okpebholo also made it clear that this was only the beginning of a phased approach to settle all outstanding gratuities. He assured that the payment process would continue until every qualified pensioner receives their due.
“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,” he said. “Our administration will not only clear these arrears but will also put measures in place to ensure such delays do not happen in the future.”
Many pensioners have expressed their gratitude to the governor for taking such a bold and compassionate step. Some described the gesture as a lifeline, while others said it was the first time in years that they felt seen and heard by the government.
For years, the non-payment of gratuities has been a sore point in Edo State. Previous administrations had made promises to address the issue but failed to act decisively. Governor Okpebholo’s move has therefore been seen as a break from the past and a demonstration of political will to tackle difficult issues head-on.
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