Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the immediate release of ₦10 billion to clear outstanding pension arrears owed to retirees in the state.
Oborevwori made the announcement 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.
He explained that the decision was part of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens who had served the state diligently.
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“So far, a total of ₦36.4 billion had been paid in pensions, and ₦1.4 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,” the governor said.
To ensure accountability, Oborevwori announced the constitution of an oversight team to supervise the implementation of the ₦10 billion release, stressing that transparency would be upheld.
He reaffirmed that his administration would not compromise on the welfare of retirees.
In his reaction, Ogidi-Gbegbaje described the governor’s announcement as a “pleasant surprise,” assuring that the funds would be used exclusively for pension payments.
Similarly, Osanekwu, who represented the retirees, thanked the governor for what he described as “an unexpected and magnanimous gesture.”
Recall that retirees in Delta State have for years lamented over unpaid pensions dating back to 2012, a burden the current administration has now moved to address.
