Governor Okpebholo begins N4.6bn payout to 714 dismissed college staff by former administration

Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, has kicked off the payment of ₦4.6 billion in benefits to 714 staff of the Colleges of Education in Ekiadolor and Igueben, who were controversially sacked by the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki.

The move marks a major step in Governor Okpebholo’s pledge to restore justice, fairness, and dignity to those who served Edo State.

A total of 682 retirees from Ekiadolor and 32 from Igueben are set to receive their long-overdue entitlements, with the payments broken into four tranches of ₦1.16 billion each. The first tranche has already been disbursed, in full compliance with the Nigerian Pension Act.

In a further show of commitment to workers’ welfare, Governor Okpebholo has also approved ₦292 million for the second tranche of benefits owed to disengaged staff of the Colleges of Agriculture in Iguoriakhi and Agenebode. That payment is scheduled to hit accounts on or before Wednesday this week.

So far, the Okpebholo-led administration has released ₦1.4 billion across the four institutions, bringing relief to hundreds of families and proving its readiness to prioritize the wellbeing of those who helped build Edo.

“This isn’t just about money,” a spokesperson said. “It’s about restoring dignity to those abandoned for too long. Governor Okpebholo is building a just, fair, and compassionate Edo State that begins by standing with our people.”

This bold move underscores the government’s broader reform agenda in the education sector, ensuring that no one is left behind, especially those affected by past decisions.

The Edo State Government reassures all retirees and disengaged staff of State-owned institutions that every legitimate entitlement will be paid in full. This is only the beginning.