Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the immediate release of N10 billion to settle outstanding pension arrears owed to retirees in the state.

Mr Oborevwori announced this on Tuesday during a meeting with the Chairman of the Bureau of State Pensions, Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, and the State Chairman of the Association of Contributory Retirees, Anthony Osanekwu, in Asaba.

He said that the meeting was aimed at addressing issues concerning the welfare of retirees, including payment of backlogs and migration challenges under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Mr Oborevwori said that his administration had paid over N36 billion to service pensions in the state.

The governor added that N1.4 billion was released for the payment of pensions monthly since he assumed office.

He emphasised that the state had not defaulted in meeting its monthly pension obligations under his watch.

He, however, said that the arrears, which predated his administration, must be urgently tackled.

The governor said, “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 a top priority.’’

He also announced the constitution of an oversight team to supervise the implementation of the N10 billion released, stressing that transparency would be strictly upheld.

He said the gesture reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of senior citizens who laboured in the service of the state.

In his remarks, Mr Ogidi-Gbegbaje described the governor’s announcement as a “pleasant surprise,” assuring that the approved N10 billion would serve as a huge relief to retirees.

Mr Ogidi-Gbegbaje promised that the funds would be used exclusively for pension payments, adding that the system was programmed to ensure transparency and accountability.

Also speaking, Mr Osanekwu expressed appreciation to the governor for what he described as an unexpected and magnanimous gesture.

He said, “You took us unaware; what we were expecting was far less than the N10 billion you just approved. I am elated and I know that when pensioners across the state hear this news, they will be very happy.’’ 

(NAN)