Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the immediate release of ₦10 billion to settle outstanding pension arrears owed to retirees in the state.
The governor made the announcement on Tuesday in Asaba during a meeting with the Chairman of the Bureau of State Pensions, Mr. Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, and the State Chairman of the Association of Contributory Retirees, Mr. Anthony Osanekwu. He said the meeting was convened to address retirees’ welfare concerns, including the payment of backlogs and challenges arising from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
Oborevwori noted that his administration had so far expended over ₦36 billion on pension obligations. He added that since assuming office, his government had consistently released ₦1.4 billion monthly for pension payments without default.
He stressed that the arrears, which predated his administration, must be cleared urgently. “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. Under my watch, their welfare will remain a top priority,” he said.
The governor further announced the establishment of an oversight team to supervise the disbursement of the ₦10 billion, assuring that transparency and accountability would be strictly maintained. He said the move reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens who had devoted their years to the service of Delta State.
In his response, Mr. Ogidi-Gbegbaje described the announcement as a “pleasant surprise,” adding that the ₦10 billion release would bring great relief to retirees. He assured that the funds would be channelled strictly towards pension payments, with safeguards to ensure transparency and accountability.
Mr. Osanekwu also expressed gratitude to the governor, describing the approval as both unexpected and generous. “You took us unaware; what we were expecting was far less than the ₦10 billion you just approved. I am elated, and I know pensioners across the state will be very happy when they hear this news,” he said.
