The Edo State Government, through the Office of the Head of Service and the Edo State Pensions Bureau, has presented a cheque of seven million, five hundred and ninety-one thousand, one hundred and sixty-two naira, sixty-eight kobo (N7,591,162.68) to two families who are next of kin of deceased employees and beneficiaries of the Edo State Contributory Pension Scheme.
During the cheque presentation, the Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq., who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Office of the Head of Service, Priscilla Aziegbemhin, re-emphasized the State Government’s commitment towards the welfare of members and staff of the State Contributory Pension Scheme.
She added that the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme regarding the payment of entitlements under the Life Insurance Policy provided for in Section 8 of the Contributory Pension Scheme Law 2010 (as amended). Section 8 (1) of the Pension Reforms (PRA 2014) provides that the government pays deceased beneficiaries three times the annual salaries of their benefactor.
The Permanent Secretary further noted that this payment is the first of three (3) components of the deceased employee’s death benefits. Edo State is among the States in Nigeria that has kept its promise in the yearly renewal/ payment of Group Life Insurance Premium for its employees.
Aziegbemhin, on behalf of the State Government, sympathized with the beneficiaries on the death of their benefactors, emphasizing that the cheque was not for their personal use. She reminded the beneficiaries that they were representatives of their families and encouraged them to make judicious use of the funds.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary/Chairman, Edo State Pensions Bureau, Mrs Aikefe Aigbavboa, while addressing the beneficiaries, reiterated that they should spend money wisely. He added that they must carry every family member along in the planning and usage of the fund.
Endurance Onaiwu, the beneficiary of Late Sarah Amiose Ogieva of the Ministry of Energy/Electricity, on receiving the cheque of three million, three hundred and eighty-two thousand, eight hundred and four naira, eighty kobo (N3,382,804.80), appreciated the State Government, the Head of Service and the Edo State Pensions Bureau.
He maintains that the money will go a long way in settling debt incurred during the death of their benefactor. He also added that it will cushion the effect of the economic hardship faced by their families.
Another beneficiary, Patrick Agbonkpolor, also received four million, two hundred and eight thousand, three hundred and fifty-seven naira, eighty-eight kobo (N4,208,357.88) for Late Mrs. Philomena Osarentin Agbonkpolor of the Post Primary Education Board.
