Edo Governor Begins Payment Of ₦4.6bn Benefits To Sacked College Staff
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has begun the long-awaited settlement of benefits for staff of state-owned colleges who were sacked during the tenure of his predecessor, Mr Godwin Obaseki.
Governor Okpebholo approved the release of the first tranche of payments to workers of the Colleges of Education in Ekiadolor and Igueben. The affected group includes 682 former staff from Ekiadolor and 32 from Igueben, bringing the total to 714.
According to government figures, a total of ₦4.6 billion has been earmarked to clear their entitlements. The sum is to be paid in four tranches, each valued at ₦1,164,507,285.17. The first instalment has already been disbursed in line with the Pension Act of Nigeria.
“This milestone reflects Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to fairness, justice, and the welfare of its workforce,” said Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, in a statement issued on Monday in Benin City.
The Okpebholo administration has also approved another ₦292 million for disengaged workers of the Colleges of Agriculture in Iguoriakhi and Agenebode. The state confirmed that this second round of payments would be released on or before Wednesday.
With the latest disbursements, the Edo government has so far injected about ₦1.4 billion into settling arrears across the four institutions. Officials described the move as part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the state’s education sector while giving dignity back to those who served.
The statement added: “It is also a reflection of the Governor’s vision of a just, fair, and prosperous Edo State, where equity and compassion are guiding principles of governance.”
Hundreds of families affected by the controversial disengagement can now breathe easier as the long battle for their benefits takes a decisive turn.
The governor, through his office, reassured stakeholders that the exercise would not stop until all legitimate entitlements are fully cleared.
