The Edo State Government has initiated the screening process for over 326 former staff members of the Edo State Colleges of Agriculture in Iguoriakhi and Agenebode.
This comes as part of the government’s efforts to address the issues that arose following a major restructuring exercise in 2018.
Wellington Osaro Abbe, Permanent Secretary and Chairman of the Edo State Pensions Bureau, announced the commencement of the screening while addressing journalists.
He stated that Governor Godwin Obaseki had approved the payment of pension entitlements to the affected staff, who were disengaged during the restructuring.
“You will recall that in 2018, the State Government commenced a restructuring exercise. It made obligations to the people and carried out a massive reorganisation at the Colleges of Agriculture in Iguoriakhi and Agenebde.
“The reorganisation affected about 326 workers. Following the restructuring, the 326 staff were disengaged. This created a lot of agitations on the part of the relieved staff,” Abbe explained.
Governor Obaseki’s approval means that the ex-staff will now receive entitlements based on the number of years they served.
Abbe detailed the payment structure, noting that those who served ten years or more would receive five years of pension in addition to gratuity.
He said those who served between five and ten years would receive five years of pension without gratuity.
“This is the final lap of what we needed to do so as to finally settle these 326 workers. This is so that they can move on with their lives,” Abbe stated, highlighting the importance of resolving the issue.
The Permanent Secretary also touched upon the impact of the restructuring, which led to several litigations.
He expressed relief that the matter was finally being settled, allowing the restructured College of Agriculture to fully commence operations.
He further stated that the screening process will take place in phases to manage the crowd, starting with the former staff of Iguoriakhi and then moving on to those from Agenebode next week.
Abbe also mentioned the plans for the former staff of the College of Education in Ekiadolor, noting that their reorganization would be addressed once the current process is completed.
”The total amount approved for the payments is approximately 1.2 billion naira, which will be disbursed in four tranches.
”The first part of the payment will begin this week, with subsequent payments scheduled to follow.,” he added.
An ex-staff member, Comrade Paul Ogbebor, expressed gratitude to Governor Obaseki for fulfilling his promise, noting that the payments would bring much-needed relief to the former workers.
