Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has officially approved the release of the first tranche of payments to workers who were previously disengaged from the Colleges of Education in Ekiadolor and Igueben. These workers were dismissed under circumstances described as controversial by the immediate-past state administration. The significant development was communicated in a statement released on Monday in Benin by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor.

Mr. Itua emphasized that this initiative marks a crucial milestone, reflecting Governor Okpebholo’s unwavering commitment to upholding principles of fairness, ensuring justice, and prioritizing the overall welfare of the state’s dedicated workforce. The administration has earmarked a substantial total sum of ₦4.6 billion for the comprehensive settlement of entitlement benefits for these disengaged workers, including pensioners.

The total sum is designated to cover 682 pensioners affiliated with the College of Education, Ekiadolor, and an additional 32 pensioners from the College of Education, Igueben. The structured payment plan involves four distinct tranches, with each tranche amounting to precisely ₦1,164,507,285.17. The first of these tranches has already been successfully disbursed to both the disengaged staff and retirees of the two Colleges, meticulously adhering to the stringent provisions outlined in the Pension Act of Nigeria.

Further demonstrating his administration's dedication to restoring dignity and providing support to those who have served the state diligently, Governor Okpebholo has also sanctioned the immediate release of ₦292 million. This amount constitutes the second tranche of pension entitlements specifically for disengaged staff of the Colleges of Agriculture located in Iguoriakhi and Agenebode. The payment for these institutions is slated for completion on or before Wednesday of the current week.

Through these interventions, the Edo State Government has, to date, released a cumulative total of ₦1.4 billion across the four aforementioned Colleges of Education and Agriculture. This substantial financial commitment is anticipated to bring significant relief to hundreds of families impacted by previous employment decisions and unequivocally reaffirms the government’s resolve to prioritize the welfare of its citizens who have dedicated years of invaluable service to the growth and development of Edo State.

This decisive action by the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration is a vital component of the government's broader reform agenda aimed at repositioning and strengthening the education sector across the state. It ensures that individuals adversely affected by earlier decisions are not overlooked or left behind. Ultimately, this move is a tangible manifestation of the Governor’s vision for a just, fair, and prosperous Edo State, where the core principles of equity and compassion serve as fundamental guiding tenets of governance.