Obi Flags Off Payment Of Pension Gratuities

Governor Peter obi of Anambra State, has flagged off the distribution of cheques worth N713.2million to 516  pensioners in  the state.

At the ceremony at the Women Development Centre, Obi said the exercise involved retired workers between April and October 2011.

According to him, it was in line of his administration’s policy of enhancing the welfare of its retirees.

No less than N19.5 billion had been spent on pensions and gratuities since the inception of his regime and explained that people should not be denied their retirement benefits.“I have always said that we must save to pay our retirees and it is a matter of policy to this administration that every retiree should be paid his or her benefits.

“It is a curse not to pay retirees their pensions and gratuities, because the older one becomes, the more difficult things become and the slimmer the chances of better fortunes,” Obi said.

The Executive Secretary of the Local Government Pensions Board, Mr Aloysius Igboanugo, who supervised the distribution of cheques to the beneficiaries, said the payment was for verified life pensioners who left service between April and October 2011.

Igboanugo noted that the board would continue to advance the welfare of its retirees.

Mr George Arinze, a beneficiary who retired as the Head of Administration in Orumba North Local Government council, who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries, told newsmen that it was good that their gratuity was paid at this time.

He said it was an improvement on what used to be in the state and advised the retirees to invest their money and avoid wasteful spending.