By Aifamokhai Godson|ABNews|September 22, 2025
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved and released the first tranche of ₦4.6 billion pension and entitlement benefits to disengaged staff of state-owned Colleges of Education. The affected workers were laid off during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, leaving many in financial distress for years.
According to the Edo State Government, the first tranche of over ₦1.16 billion has already been disbursed to 682 pensioners from the College of Education, Ekiadolor, and 32 from the College of Education, Igueben, in compliance with the Nigerian Pension Act.
Okpebholo Approves Additional ₦292m for Agriculture Colleges
In a separate approval, Governor Okpebholo also authorized the release of ₦292 million as part of the second tranche of entitlements for disengaged staff of the Colleges of Agriculture in Iguoriakhi and Agenebode. Payments are scheduled to be completed on or before Wednesday.
So far, the Edo State Government has released about ₦1.4 billion across the four colleges, bringing relief to hundreds of affected families.
A Step Toward Justice and Education Reform
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the payments reflect his administration’s vision of fairness, justice, and compassion in governance.
“We cannot talk about meaningful reforms in Edo State without first addressing the welfare of those who built the foundation of our education system. This payment is about dignity and justice,” the Governor said.
The government stressed that all disengaged staff and retirees will receive their full entitlements, reassuring stakeholders that no one will be left behind.
Why This Matters to Edo Workers and Retirees
For many affected pensioners, the payment marks the end of years of uncertainty. Families who struggled without benefits are finally receiving financial relief, while the state strengthens trust in its education and pension systems.
This intervention also signals a major policy shift, as Governor Okpebholo continues to roll out reforms aimed at repositioning Edo’s education sector and improving workers’ welfare.
