Teachers and Local Government workers who retired in 2012 in Edo State are set to receive their gratuity 14 years after retirement.

The development follows the release of N1 billion by Governor Monday Okpebholo for payment of gratuities to the affected retirees.

Chairman of the Local Government Staff Pension Bureau, Kabiru Adjoto, said the payment represents the first tranche of gratuity for retired teachers and local government workers.

Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City, Adjoto commended Governor Okpebholo for his commitment to the welfare of workers and retirees.

The former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly said the governor has demonstrated strong political will in addressing long-standing challenges affecting pensioners and retirees in the state.

He also thanked retirees for their patience, understanding, and continued faith in government despite the delays over the years.

He said, “It is pertinent to note that the payment of gratuities being addressed will capture retirees from 2012 and other outstanding sets.

“This responsibility comes with a significant financial burden on government due to the increasing number of retirees and the consequential financial strain arising from successive minimum wage increases.

“Despite these challenges, the present administration has remained resolute in its determination to ensure that those who served the state meritoriously are not forgotten and that their legitimate entitlements are progressively settled.

“Let me therefore assure our retirees and the general public that with the renewed commitment of the present administration under the SHINE Agenda, the process of gratuity payment will henceforth be more regular and systematic than what was previously obtainable. Administrative work is currently ongoing, and deserving beneficiaries will be invited to collect their cheques in the coming days.”

Chairman of Local Government Retirees, Comrade Mike Olekiale, urged the governor to continue payments to ease the plight of pensioners.

Spokesperson for the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Pastor Claudiette Ehanire, said local government retirees need a dedicated bureau to oversee their welfare.

“We are happy but not completely satisfied because we have been neglected for too long. The governor has put smiles on our faces, but we want a bureau in charge of local government pensioners.

“We want the governor to appoint somebody to oversee it,” she said. (PUNCH)