BENIN: Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commenced the payment of entitlement benefits to 714 staff of the state’s Colleges of Education who were disengaged under the administration of his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.
The governor approved the disbursement of the first tranche of a ₦4.6 billion settlement package covering 682 pensioners from the College of Education, Ekiadolor, and 32 from the College of Education, Igueben. Each tranche amounts to ₦1.16 billion, in line with the provisions of the Pension Act.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, confirmed in a statement on Monday that the first tranche has already been released to the affected staff and retirees.
In addition, Governor Okpebholo has approved the immediate release of another ₦292 million for the second tranche of pension entitlements owed to disengaged staff of the Colleges of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi and Agenebode. Payment is scheduled to be completed on or before Wednesday this week.
So far, a total of ₦1.4 billion has been disbursed across the four colleges, bringing much-needed relief to hundreds of families. The state government described the intervention as part of its broader reform drive to reposition the education sector and restore dignity to those who had served Edo diligently.
“The governor’s action reflects his vision of a just, fair, and prosperous Edo State, where equity and compassion are guiding principles of governance,” Itua stated.
The government reassured retirees and disengaged staff of state-owned institutions that all legitimate entitlements would be fully settled in due course.
