The Ebonyi government commenced the payment of a gratuity backlog amounting to ₦10 billion to over 4,000 retired local government employees on Monday.

The commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters, Uchenna Igwe, while inaugurating the payment in Abakaliki on Monday, said the move would ameliorate the suffering of the retirees.

Mr Igwe described the gesture as a defining moment of justice and compassion, as noted in Governor Francis Nwifuru’s ‘People’s Charter of Needs’ mantra.

“These entitlements were not paid since the state’s creation, and the commencement of its payment has restored hope and dignity for selfless service. The governor is a promise keeper who only thinks of ways to enhance the people’s wellbeing,” he said.

The commissioner urged the beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously, especially in supporting their families and communities.

The commissioner for information and state orientation, Ikeuwa Omebeh, recalled that the governor inaugurated a six-member verification committee for the exercise on August 1, 2025.

The committee, chaired by Catherine Ogbu, the wife of the state’s former deputy governor, was tasked with authenticating claims and determining eligibility for retirees.

“This covers the period of 1996 to 2025, as the exercise has been successfully completed and payments will be carried out on an LGA basis. All verified retirees will be paid through their bank accounts, as the gesture will go beyond welfare, inject liquidity into rural economies, and stimulate small businesses,” he said.

The executive secretary of the State Local Government Pension Board, Emeka Nwonu, assured that all verified persons would receive their entitlements.

“The board collaborated with all relevant bodies concerned with the process in realising set goals,” he said.

The chairperson of the verification exercise, Catherine Ogbu, lauded the governor for his vision of prioritising the welfare of retirees.

“This is a dream delayed, but presently a reality, and promise fulfilled,” she said.

The chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ebonyi Council, Donatus Okemini, urged the people of Ebonyi to pray and support the Nwifuru-led administration, as it has the people’s interest at heart.

Martha Elom, one of the retirees, thanked the governor for the gesture, noting that it had ‘added a new lease of life’ to her.

(NAN)