Gov. Obaseki gives 37 retirees N1m each for meritorious service

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has pledged N1 million each for 37 retired Civil Servants in the State in appreciation for their meritorious service to the state.
The Governor made the promise at an event held in honour of the retired Head of Service (HoS) Mrs. Gladys Idahor and Permanent Secretaries at Government House in Benin City, Edo State.
He reiterated training for the state public servants and strengthening to achieve better results in line with global practice, stressing that the retirees can be called upon anytime to mentor the younger ones in service.
According to him, each of the retired public servants will get N1 million each, noting, “Apart from the gifts and feeling of appreciation here today, I will give each of you N1 million to thank you for your years of meritorious service to the State.
“From next year, we will emphasise on trainings for our public servants to enable us to move the civil service to the digital age.
Our files must have to be digital not analogue. Our people are generally good; all they need is to be trained to get the best out of them”, he said.
He hailed the state’s Head of Service (HoS), Mrs. Gladys Idahor and 36 recently retired Permanent Secretaries for their meritorious service and contribution to the development of the state.
Responding on behalf of other retirees, Mrs. Gladys Idahor, expressed appreciation to the governor for finding them worthy to serve the state and for creating a conducive environment for workers in the state to be able to contribute their quota to the state’s development.
Chairman, Edo State Civil Service Commission, Princess Ekiuwa Inneh,
advised the retired public servants to be prepared to be called upon anytime to serve the state in other capacities.
A minute silence was observed in honour of one of the retired permanent secretaries, late Deacon Festus Okunrobo.