Delta committed to prompt payment of pensions — Oborevwori

The Delta State Bureau for Pensions has been urged to be proactive in the discharge of its functions, as the present administration remains stoically committed to the timely payment of pension benefits to retiring and retired personnel of the state’s workforce.

Governor Sheriff Oborewovori, who stated this at the swearing-in of three new Special Advisers and the inauguration of Chairmen and members of boards in Asaba on Tuesday, also charged the bureau to promptly and appropriately advise the government on pension matters.

Those sworn in as Special Advisers are Mr. Austin Ayemidejor, Mr. Sunny Jero, and Mr. Emmanuel Osazuwa. Also sworn in are the Chairman of the Delta State Bureau for Pensions, Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, and Mr. Jude Oghenevwaire Emurotu, as a member of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC.

Those inaugurated were: Mr. Ifeanyi Egwunyenga as Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer, Hon. Victor Okoh, Chairman of the Board of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, while Mrs. Kemeseifa Ebikefe, Chief Paul Ibeyon, Engr. Mike Ogeleka, Mr. Marvis Erhie, Hon. Joe Adigwe, and Mr. Terry Okotoroh, as members.

Inaugurated into the board of the Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education are Asiyai Patricia Ekiyor as Chairman, while Chief Gabriel Nmor, Ugbome Joy Awele, Mrs. Abitor Edirin, and Mrs. Rarute Mgbeke are members.

The governor also inaugurated the board of the Delta State Arts Council with Mr. Pius Labo as Chairman and Mr. Julius Biyibi, Mrs. Ngozi Onarudu, Ugedi Ebi Edith, Oyibo Elohor Blessing, and Mrs. Martha Mekwuye as members.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori said: “I urge you to justify the confidence that has been reposed in you by demonstrating the highest levels of ethical conduct and accountability in the discharge of your duties.

“This administration has already demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of serving and retired civil servants with some of the decisions we have taken.

“These include the allocation of vehicles to twenty-nine serving permanent secretaries, the payment of outstanding promotion arrears to state civil servants, and the facilitation of a N40 billion facility to assist the local governments in clearing the backlog of pension liabilities since assuming office.

“It is our resolve that retiring and retired personnel from the state workforce get their benefits in a timely and orderly manner. Hence, the Bureau for Pensions must be very proactive in the discharge of its functions and advise the government appropriately.”

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While charging the new Special Advisers to discharge their responsibilities diligently, he said: “This administration is counting on you for honest advice to help us navigate these turbulent times and achieve our developmental aspirations.

“To perform this advisory role effectively, it is important that you get acquainted with the policy agenda of this administration as contained in the MORE Agenda.

“In a few weeks from now, we shall commence the commissioning of various landmark projects that have been successfully completed by this administration to celebrate our one year in office.

“The achievements we have recorded so far are largely because we have not allowed the critics, mischief-makers, and naysayers to distract us. You must be similarly focused, driven, and result-oriented.”

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Mr. Austin Ayemidejor expressed appreciation to God for using Governor Oborevwori to appoint them, assuring that they would contribute their quota to the development of the State through the Governor’s MORE Agenda.