At least 97 next of kin of retired primary school teachers in Akwa Ibom state have received their late parents’ benefits.
This is in addition to about 67 retired primary school teachers and 11 physically challenged persons who were paid their gratuity.
These are part of the first beneficiaries of payment of gratuity to beneficiaries as promised by the state government, a payment that spanned a period of 24 years, from 1976 to 2000.
Speaking to reporters in Uyo, the state capital, head of civil service, Effiong Essien, said the state government further approved the payment of entitlements to 5,296 retired primary school teachers, 1,838 next of kin in the state from 1976 to 2000, which will be paid in batches.
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“The payment of this entitlements commenced on Monday, we are hoping to clear the backlogs of the gratuities from 1976 to date. Those who successfully scaled through the verification exercise have received their payment,” he said.
“Currently, we have paid 97 next of kin, 67 living retired primary school teachers and 11 vulnersble whose both physical and health condition was very pitiable. This payment will be done in batches till we successfully carry out the payment to all beneficiaries.”
He commended Udom Emmanuel, the governor, for being passionate and resolute in his leadership role, describing him as a workers’ friendly governor who pays premium to the welfare and working condition of workers so as to improve productivity and efficiency in the service.
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Reacting to the development, one of the beneficiaries, Mandu Akpan, who retired since 2009 said, “The payment of my gratuity will not only go a long way to ameliorate the suffering I have passed through since retirement from service but will also inspire those presently working that their services to the state will not be in vain.”
She commended the governor for keeping to his promise of paying pension and gratuity to all deserving retirees, nothing with delight that payment is not only fulfilling but consoling.
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