The Edo State government, has shown admirable commitment by starting the pensioner screening process in 1979 and continuing it through 2008.
This significant move signifies the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promise to settle outstanding pensions and gratuities spanning 29 years.
The five-day screening exercise, scheduled from Monday 16th to Friday 20th October 2023, encompasses all 18 Local Government Areas in the state. The primary aim is to resolve the backlog of gratuity payments left unsettled by previous administrations.
Mrs. Osas-Ehigie Sandra, the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) and Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Staff Pension Board, emphasized the positive impact this exercise has on pensioners, bringing joy to their faces.
She highlighted that the funds received will ease the financial strain faced by pensioners, who are deeply thankful to Governor Godwin Obaseki for keeping his promise.
To ensure inclusivity, the Pensions Board, in partnership with the Information Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), will conduct Skype screenings for pensioners residing overseas, aligning with the recently introduced digitalized Civil and Public Service practice. Mrs. Sandra expressed faith in the State Government’s commitment to addressing the needs and welfare of retirees.
She reassured pensioners that their gratuity payments would be processed swiftly, as the necessary funds have been allocated to the relevant authorities.
Mrs. Amegor Abimbola, the Chief Accountant of the Local Government Staff Pensions Board, affirmed that the backlog is a liability that the government is dedicated to settling.
She revealed that the screening exercise will include over 100 pensioners in the government database and will also serve as an opportunity to register those not currently enlisted.
The screening process is remarkably efficient, requiring only physical verification or revalidation, biometric capturing, and identification (ID) card verification.
Mr. Abode Imohiosen, a retired Environmental Health Officer, shared the financial hardships he and his family faced. He praised Governor Godwin Obaseki for fulfilling his promise to pensioners, highlighting how this support has enabled him to complete his house.
Likewise, retired teacher Mrs. Osagiede Esther Enehikhare, who retired in 1993, expressed her profound gratitude for the Governor. She was thankful for finally being able to receive her gratuity and distribute it among her children without legal issues.
Mrs. Enehikhare offered her prayers for the Governor’s successful tenure and reminded all government officials to adhere to due processes, preserving Edo State’s reputation as a place where systems function effectively, similar to the United Kingdom.
