Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the immediate release of ten billion naira to clear outstanding pension arrears owed retirees in the state.
Governor Oborevwori stated this in Asaba during a meeting with the Pension Board, led by the Chairman, Bureau of State Pensions, Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, and the State Chairman of the Association of Contributory Retirees, Comrade Anthony Ozu Osanekwu.
He 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.
While highlighting the strides of his administration, the Delta State Governor stated that so far, a total of 36.4 billion naira had been paid paid for pensions, with 1.4 billion naira released for payment of pensions monthly since he assumed office.
He emphasized that the state had not defaulted in meeting its monthly pension obligations under his watch.
However, Oborevwori noted that the arrears, which predated his administration, must be urgently tackled. “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,” he assured.
To guarantee accountability, the Governor announced the constitution of an oversight team to supervise the implementation of the10 billion naira release, stressing that transparency would be strictly upheld.
The gesture, he said, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of senior citizens who had laboured in service of Delta State.
Chairman of the Bureau for State Pension, Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, described the Governor’s announcement as a “pleasant surprise,” assuring that the10 billion naira 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.
Delta State Chairman of the Association of Contributory Retirees, Comrade Anthony Osanekwu, expressed appreciation to the Governor for what he described as an unexpected and magnanimous gesture.
“You took us unawares; what we were expecting was far less than the 10 billion naira you just approved,” Osanekwu said. “I am elated, and I know that when pensioners across the state hear this news, they will be very happy.”
