By Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
Under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Edo State Government has demonstrated its continued commitment to the welfare of its workforce with the presentation of N35, 989, 862. 04 (thirty-five million, nine hundred and eighty-nine thousand, eight hundred and sixty-two Naira, four Kobo) to nine families of deceased employees.
The disbursement, which is in line with the provisions of the Section 8 of the Contributory Pension Scheme Law 2010 (as amended) and Section 8 (1) of the Pension Reforms Act (PRA 2014) ensures beneficiaries of deceased employees receive three times the annual salaries of their benefactors under the Group Life Insurance Policy.
In his charge during the cheque presentation ceremony held at the State Government House, the Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of General Services, Office of the Head of Service, Barr. (Mrs.) Priscilla Aziegbemhin commended the governor for his unwavering support in ensuring the continuation of the exercise.
Dr. Okungbowa charged the beneficiaries to invest the fund judiciously on behalf of their families and not circumvent it for personal use, stating, “This is a custom that we uphold in Edo State. We deeply appreciate the Governor for consistently fulfilling the government’s financial obligations. Without this counterpart funding, this exercise would not have been possible. This gesture should not be taken for granted. You are receiving it on behalf of your families, ensure it is spent wisely.”
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the recipient families, Mr. Iwerebor Obiajuru Chukwuma appreciated the State Government for remembering their deceased loved ones, submitting that the gesture was a source of comfort and encouragement, reminding everyone that years of hard work and dedication pay.
According to Iwerebor, “On behalf of my entire family, and everyone here, I wish to express my deepest gratitude. I want to thank the Government, SUBEB, and the Pension Bureau for remembering and honoring the sacrifices of my late father even years after his passing. It means so much to us that the dedication and service he rendered while alive were not forgotten.
“We are grateful for the support extended to our families. This is a source of comfort and encouragement, reminding us that goodwill and hard work do leave footprints behind. Above all, we thank God Almighty for coming through for us, touching the hearts of those in authority to help and for standing by our families through these years. To everyone that made this possible, thank you from the depths of our hearts, and may God bless you all abundantly.”
The names of the deceased employees whose beneficiaries received the cheques on behalf of their families and the corresponding Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) included Erhumwomoana Benedict Odianose, who was a staff of the Edo State Forestry Commission (ESFC); Ojiefo Janet, who was a staff of the Hospital Management Agency (HMA); Osariemen Igbinadolor, who was a staff of the Ministry of Works; Obazee Godfrey, who was a staff ESFC.
Others are Justina Edosomwan, who was a staff of the Hospital Management Agency; Igbinidu Blessing Eminomo of the Edo State High Court of Justice; Iwerebor Augustin of SUBEB; Evbuomwan Mercy Osayawe, of the Post Primary Education Board.
