Relief At Last! Edo Gov Releases ₦4.6bn Benefits To Sacked College Workers

Governor Monday Okpebholo has authorized the release of the first tranche of payments to former staff of the Colleges of Education in Ekiadolor and Igueben. The disbursement covers 682 ex-employees from Ekiadolor and 32 from Igueben, totaling 714 beneficiaries.

Government records show that ₦4.6 billion has been allocated to settle their outstanding entitlements. The amount will be distributed in four tranches of ₦1,164,507,285.17 each, with the first installment already released in accordance with the Pension Act of Nigeria.

“This milestone underscores Governor Okpebholo’s dedication to fairness, justice, and the welfare of Edo’s workforce,” said Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua in a statement issued Monday in Benin City.

In addition, the administration has approved ₦292 million for former employees of the Colleges of Agriculture in Iguoriakhi and Agenebode, with payments scheduled for release on or before Wednesday.

With these latest disbursements, the Edo government has injected approximately ₦1.4 billion to clear arrears across the four institutions. Officials emphasized that the payments are part of ongoing reforms aimed at revitalizing the state’s education sector while restoring dignity to those who served.

“It also reflects the Governor’s vision for a just, equitable, and prosperous Edo State, guided by fairness and compassion in governance,” the statement added.

Hundreds of families affected by the previous disengagement can now breathe easier, as the long-awaited settlement of their benefits progresses decisively. The Governor assured stakeholders that the process would continue until all legitimate entitlements are fully cleared.