By Victor Nwegede
The Ebonyi State Government has taken concrete steps toward resolving the backlog of unpaid gratuities owed to retired Local Government workers and Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) teachers.
This development followed a crucial meeting held on Monday between the leadership of the Ebonyi State Local Government Staff Pension Board and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ebonyi State chapter.
Executive Secretary of the Pension Board, Comrade Emeka Nwonu, who led the meeting alongside his principal officers, said the gathering was aimed at strengthening pension administration and management at the grassroots level.
"The major focus of our deliberation was the unpaid gratuities to retired UBEB teachers and LG workers. We have set up a committee of key stakeholders to verify the total amount owed and to recommend a clear payment plan,” Nwonu disclosed.
He assured that the state government, under the People’s Charter of Needs policy of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, is committed to settling the entitlements without further delay.
Local Government Chairmen, described as critical stakeholders in pension matters, pledged their support to ensure transparency and accountability in the process.
The new move signaled a renewed hope for thousands of retirees who have waited years for their gratuities.
