Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the immediate release of N10 billion to clear outstanding pension arrears owed to retirees in the state.
The governor disclosed this on Tuesday during a meeting with the Pension Board, led by Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, Chairman of the Bureau of State Pensions, and Comrade Anthony Ozu Osanekwu, State Chairman of the Association of Contributory Retirees.
Oborevwori 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.
Highlighting the strides of his administration, the Governor stated that a total of N36.4 billion had been paid in pensions, disclosing that N1.4 billion was released monthly for pension payments since he assumed office.
He emphasised 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 due 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 the N10bn release, stressing that transparency would be strictly upheld.
The gesture, he said, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of senior citizens who had laboured in the service of Delta State.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Bureau for State Pension, Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, described the Governor’s announcement as a “pleasant surprise,” assuring him that the N10bn 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.
Fielding questions from journalists, the State Chairman of the Association of Contributory Retirees, Comrade Anthony Ozu 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 N10bn 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.”