Umahi releases over N1.5 billion for immediate payment of gratuity, pension owed since 1996

The governor of Ebonyi State, chief David Umahi yesterday released over N1.5 billion for the immediate payment of pension and gratuity to retired workers from 1996 when the state was created till date.
Umahi also released another N400 million for the immediate empowerment of over 2000 widows domiciled across the 13 local government area of the State.

The governor made this known through the commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Senator Emmanuel Onwe while briefing journalists on the outcome of the state council meeting that took place at the exco- chambers government house Abakaliki.
According to him, “Following the conclusion of the work of the Committee on the Verification of the State Pensions & Gratuities from 2nd October, 1996 to 6th June, 2017, and following the presentation and consideration of the Committee’s Report by the Executive Council of Ebonyi State on Tuesday the 15th of August, 2017, the Council has authorized the release of the sum of N1.5 billion for the payment of arrears of pensions and gratuities of Ebonyi workers from 1996 to 2017.
“Specifically, the sum of N750 million has been approved for the payment of the pensions arrears and gratuities of retired State Civil Servants and an equal amount of N750 million has also been approved by Council for the payment of the pensions arrears and gratuities of Local Government workers.
The Chairman of Council, His Excellency, Engr David Nweze Umahi, has therefore directed all eligible beneficiaries to please proceed immediately to the office of the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State for verification in order to ensure that payments are disbursed with dispatch.

“Furthermore, Council deliberated on the deepening economic recession in the country and resolved to expand the empowerment programme of the Government of Ebonyi State in order meet the growing economic challenges faced by the ordinary citizens, particularly the most vulnerable in society.
“The ongoing economic empowerment of over 2000 widows across the state with the sum of N200,000 each will be released from Monday the 21st of August, 2017, now that the verification exercise by the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious and Welfare Matters has been completed and his report presented to Council.
”The widows empowerment programme has also been expanded to accommodate additional 2000 widows who will be selected, verified and paid the sum of N200,000 each by 1st October, 2017.
“Let it be reiterated that the N1billion naira budgeted for the empowerment of 4000 eligible Ebonyians is still being disbursed by the Ministry of Empowerment and Job Creation. As at today, about 1000 people have applied and collected grants of up to N250,000 each. Others who meet the criteria should expect to be paid with effect from Monday the 21st of August, 2017. The Ministry of Empowerment and Job Creation will announce and publish the names of recipients of the grants at the conclusion of the disbursements,” he stated.