October 07, (THEWILL) — The Ebonyi State Government began the payment of N10 billion as gratuities to over 4,000 retired local government workers, bringing to an end 30 years of unpaid pension and gratuities.
The official flag-off ceremony took place yesterday at the Old Government House, Abakaliki, and was presided over by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Uchenna Stephen Igwe, who represented the governor.
The gesture, he said, was a milestone in workers’ welfare, and a fulfilment of one of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s key campaign promises under his People’s Charter of Needs policy.
Igwe described the payment as “a defining moment of justice and compassion”, adding that Governor Nwifuru’s administration is determined to build a government founded on fairness, gratitude, and accountability.
“For nearly 30 years, these entitlements were left unpaid. His Excellency has demonstrated that promises can truly be kept. This payment restores hope and dignity to those who served selflessly”, Igwe said.
He advised the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely, especially in supporting their families and communities.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebeh, recalled that on August 1, 2025, Governor Nwifuru inaugurated a six-member verification committee chaired by Mrs Catherine Ogbu. The committee was tasked with authenticating claims and determining eligibility for retirees covering the period between 1996 and 2025.
According to Omebeh, the verification exercise has been successfully completed, and payments will be carried out on a local government basis until November, when Onicha Local Government Area will conclude the final phase.
“Every verified retiree will be paid directly into their bank accounts. Beyond welfare, this policy will inject liquidity into rural economies, stimulate small businesses, and promote financial inclusion”, he explained.
The Executive Secretary of the State Local Government Pension Board, Mr Emeka Nwonu, and the committee chairperson, Mrs Catherine Ogbu, both lauded Governor Nwifuru’s vision for prioritising the welfare of senior citizens.
“This is a promise fulfilled, a dream long delayed, but now a reality”, Mrs Ogbu said.
Representing the beneficiaries, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ebonyi State Council, Donatus Okemini, alongside Ama Emma Orji and other retirees, expressed deep gratitude to the governor for ending decades of neglect.
“Governor Nwifuru has wiped away our tears. After many years of waiting, pensioners in Ebonyi can finally rejoice”, Okemini said.
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