BENIN  CITY – The Edo State Government in her determination to actualize the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme has organized a one-day sensitization workshop for Permanent Secretaries, Directors, General Managers and Labour Leaders.
Addressing  participants, the Edo State Head of Service, Mr. Igbaekemen Jerry Obazele stated that the sole purpose of the enlightenment workshop is to enable the participants grasp the nitty gritty of the new pension scheme which he admitted that the state government is ready to key into.
Mr. Obazele posited that the Edo State government  believes that the implementation of the Scheme would alleviate the sufferings hitherto being experienced by retirees who after retirement find it difficult to get their retirement benefits.
The Head of Service commended the State Government led  by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole  for his benevolence towards the workers and his desire to put a system in place where every worker would be looking forward to receiving his or her retirement benefits at the appropriate time.
He revealed that on the orders of the State Governor, his office in conjunction with other relevant government agencies was mandated to work out the modalities for transition from the government funded Pension Scheme to the Contributory Pension Scheme. He added that the committee has worked hard to ensure that all necessary arrangements are  put in place.
Mr. Jerry Obazele disclosed that the intention of the state government was to enable participants who are high ranking officers would go back to their respective .Ministries, Departments and Agencies to enlighten their staff on the benefit of the Scheme.
The resource persons headed by Mrs. Grace Usoro from the National Pension Commission (PENCON) took time to explain the benefits derivable from the new Scheme.
She reminded the participants that prior to 2014 retirees suffered a lot leading to the death of some in an attempt to get their benefit but with the new Scheme, she said that is now a thing of the past.
Mrs. Usoro allayed the fears of civil servants pointing out that the Pension fund Administrators having been carefully chosen and approve by the commission cannot fail to meet its obligation to workers at the right time. She revealed that all necessary safety valves have been put in place.
The workshop which featured questions and answers session was held at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.