Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has given approval for the payment of benefits to former staff of the Colleges of Education in Ekiadolor and Igueben, who were laid off under the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, confirmed the development in a statement, describing it as a demonstration of Okpebholo’s commitment to fairness and the welfare of workers.
According to the release, a total of N4.6 billion has been set aside for the entitlements of the affected staff. Out of this, 682 retirees from the College of Education, Ekiadolor, and 32 from the College of Education, Igueben, will benefit. The payment is structured into four tranches of N1.16 billion each, with the first already disbursed in line with provisions of the Nigerian Pension Act.
In addition, the Governor approved the release of N292 million as the second tranche of pension entitlements for disengaged workers of the Colleges of Agriculture in Iguoriakhi and Agenebode. The funds are scheduled for payment on or before Wednesday.
With this intervention, the state government has so far released N1.4 billion across the four colleges, bringing relief to hundreds of families who had been affected. The administration says this move is part of broader reforms to reposition Edo’s education sector while restoring dignity to those who served the state.
Governor Okpebholo’s approval underscores his vision of building a just and compassionate Edo State, where the welfare of workers and retirees remains a priority. The government assured stakeholders that the process will continue until every legitimate entitlement is fully paid.
