By Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
The Edo State Government has presented cheques totaling ₦92,494,002.60 to the families of 14 deceased state employees as part of efforts by the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo to promote workers’ welfare and protect the interests of their families.
The cheques were presented at the Office of the Head of Service in Benin City in line with the provisions of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) Law 2010, as amended, and Section 8(1) of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014.
Under the law, beneficiaries of deceased employees are entitled to a death benefit equivalent to three times the employee’s annual salary as the first component of the benefits payable.
Representing the Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Human Resources, Mrs. B. J. Igbinobaro, said the payment constituted the first of three components of entitlements due to the beneficiaries.
According to her, the other components comprise the eight per cent and 10 per cent employer and employee contributions domiciled with Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), as well as accrued rights for employees who had served the state for at least five years before the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme.
She said the payment demonstrated the state government’s commitment to workers’ welfare and ensuring that families of deceased employees receive their legitimate entitlements.
Igbinobaro urged the beneficiaries to manage the funds responsibly, particularly those who have been entrusted with the care of minor children, stressing the need to invest the money in ways that would secure the children’s long-term welfare and future.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Pension Bureau, Mr. Washington Abbe, appealed to the beneficiaries to maintain peace and unity among family members in managing the funds.
Abbe advised the beneficiaries to consider the interests of other family members, particularly siblings and dependants, rather than regarding the payment as an entitlement belonging exclusively to the named beneficiary.
He urged them to ensure that the funds serve as a source of stability and support for their families rather than become a cause of conflict.
According to him, the payment should be seen as an opportunity to provide financial security for the families during a difficult period and to ensure that the entitlements of their deceased relatives are preserved and judiciously utilised.
The beneficiaries of the 14 deceased employees include Obakpolor Kelvin Osas, beneficiary of late Obakpolor Ighodaro Segun, a former staff member of the Post Primary Education Board; Okoyo Samson Ohonsi, beneficiary of late Okoyo Raymond of the High Court of Justice; and Aidenagbon Evans Idonije and Aidenagbon Omozoje, beneficiaries of late Aidenagbon Fred Izuanje of the Ministry of Justice.
Others are Okuoimose Osakpolor, beneficiary of late Arihenbuwa Christopher of the Edo State Urban Water Corporation; Edeaghe Blessing, beneficiary of late Odiboh Edeaghe, also of the Edo State Urban Water Corporation; and Inneh Favour Osamagioghomwenwi and Inneh Agbonifo Emmanuel, beneficiaries of late Inneh Young Ighodaro of the Edo State Forestry Commission.
Also listed were Omoike Joseph Ehiz, beneficiary of late Omoike Joel of the High Court of Justice; Enefele Joel, beneficiary of late Okoruwa Mabel Ibhalukholor of the State Universal Basic Education Board; and Anita Ese Umukuro, beneficiary of late Amedu Christabel of the Hospital Management Board.
Other beneficiaries include Aibangbee Loveth Osatohanmwen, beneficiary of late Aibangbee Williams of the Edo State Urban Water Corporation; Osawaru Blessing Amenze, beneficiary of late Osawaru Friday Aiwagure of the Hospital Management Board; Asemota Eseosa Gold, beneficiary of late Asemota Osagie Uyi of the Directorate of Cabinet Affairs and Special Services; Blessing Omolegho Ugbijeh, beneficiary of late Ugbijeh Ohiozua Lewis of the Ministry of Water Resources; and Osagiobare Abiola Patricia and Osagiobare Iyobosa, beneficiaries of late Osagiobare Esosa Elvis of the Hospital Management Agency.
