Benin, Edo – In a heartfelt demonstration of its commitment to workers’ welfare, the Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, has disbursed ₦47,881,801.08 to the families of twelve deceased state employees.

The cheque presentation, held on Wednesday, at the Office of the Head of Service in Benin City, marks a significant step in fulfilling obligations under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) Law 2010 (as amended) and Section 8(1) of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014.

The funds, presented to the beneficiaries, represent the first component of death benefits, equivalent to three times the annual salary of each deceased employee.

The Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Pension Bureau, Mr. Washington Abbe, who oversaw the ceremony, explained that this payment is part of a three-tier entitlement structure.

Subsequent payments will include the 8% and 10% employer/employee contributions held by Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and accrued rights for employees who served at least five years before the CPS was introduced.

Addressing the beneficiaries, Mr. Abbe urged those entrusted with the funds, particularly caretakers of minors, to manage the money responsibly for the long-term benefit of the deceased’s families.

“The reason you were chosen as beneficiaries is to ensure that life can go on for your families after the painful loss of your loved ones,” he said.

“I appeal to you, especially those caring for minors, to use this money judiciously. When these children grow, they should not regret how their entitlements were managed on their behalf.”

Abbe also emphasized the importance of unity among family members, cautioning against disputes over the funds.

“The fact that you were chosen as a beneficiary does not mean the money is entirely yours. Carry your siblings along. No money is too small to share, and peace in the family is more valuable than any sum,” he advised, adding,

“The greatest thing a man does on earth is to show love.”

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Mr. Onokpikini Courage expressed gratitude to the Edo State Government and the Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, for their compassion.

“We are grateful for this show of care and support,” he said.

“This initiative proves that the government has the welfare of workers and their families at heart. We hope this administration continues to prioritize such efforts.”

The beneficiaries include families of deceased employees from various state agencies, including the Edo State House of Assembly, Edo State High Court, Edo State Sports Commission, Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Post Primary Education Board, Hospital Management Agency, State Universal Basic Education Board, and Edo State Traffic Control and Management Agency.

The full list of benefactors and their beneficiaries is as follows:

Itohanmwen Eseosa Method (Edo State House of Assembly) – Beneficiary: Godswill Itohanmwen

Lato Vbenosawemwinghaye (Edo State Traffic Control and Management Agency) – Beneficiary: Lato Kingsley Alphonsus

Momoh Sanusi Alahaji (Edo State High Court) – Beneficiaries: Kate Yusuf and Jim Momoh

Isenalumhe Munirat (Edo State High Court) – Beneficiary: Isenalumhe Alex Ogbowho

Gray Ukueyinden Precious (Edo State Sports Commission) – Beneficiary: Onokpikini Courage

Aibomosi Emmanuel (Edo State Sports Commission) – Beneficiary: Aibomosi Efe Rosemary

Osimen Fidelia (Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency) – Beneficiary: Okorie Catherine

Aniyu Isah Imonofi (Post Primary Education Board) – Beneficiary: Isah Imonofi Abdulrazak

Okeh Edith Prisca (Hospital Management Agency) – Beneficiary: Osinachi Glory Nkemjika

Iregbe Isaac (Edo State High Court) – Beneficiary: Itohan Festus

Raphael Osazuwa (Edo State High Court) – Beneficiary: Osazuwa Amenze Sarah

Joy Afekelu Iyoha (State Universal Basic Education Board) – Beneficiary: Iyoha Precious Oselumenose

The disbursement aligns with Governor Okpebholo’s broader agenda to enhance the welfare of Edo State workers, both in life and death.

Since assuming office on November 12, 2024, the administration has introduced several worker-friendly policies, including timely salary payments, training programs, and improved working conditions.