by Abia state Governor, Dr Alex Otti has reiterated commitment to clearing all pension arrears owed pensioners in the state as soon as the ongoing verification exercise is completed.
The Abia State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu disclosed this while briefing Newsmen on the outcome of this week’s EXCO meeting presided over by the Governor.
Prince Kanu recalled that Governor Otti had during the electioneering campaign, promised to clear all outstanding arrears owed pensioners by the previous administration, assured that the present administration would do the needful before the end of the year.
In his words; “Let me reiterate government’s position to pay off all outstanding pensions once the verification excercise is done.
“It is a promise that was made during the campaigns and since this government came on board, it is a promise that will be kept.
“Before the end of the year, all outstanding pensions will be paid as soon as the verification excercise is concluded”.
Prince Kanu praised the efficient manner in which the pensioners’ verification process is being conducted in the state and expressed optimism that the smooth progress of the exercise might lead to its conclusion by the next week.
The commissioner noted that the exercise has garnered widespread commendation throughout the state for its exceptional execution and added that pensioners are delighted with the unprecedented care shown during the process.
He said that the verification team extended their services to the homes of elderly pensioners who could not travel, those who were unable to attend in person were guided to utilize the Sub – Treasury while those residing far from the verification centers were provided with online codes to ensure access to the verification process.
Prince Kanu while noting that Julius Berger has been fully mobilized to site by the state government in order to meet up with the stipulated 18 months timeline delivery of Port Harcourt road Aba, said reconstruction work would soon commence on more roads including Kent by Ehi road, People’s road, Cemetery phase 2 as well as Omuma road.
He listed other roads which would receive government attention to include Ozu Abam – Ndi – Okereke – Arochukwu road, Umuahia – Uzuakoli – Ohafia – Arochukwu road, adding that disilting of various roads in the state is ongoing while some have been concluded.
Contributing, the General Manager, Abia State Enviromental Protection Agency, Mr Ogbonna Okereke, said that additional disposable trucks have been procured and distributed to Umuahia and Aba to further promote cleanliness of the state, adding that the Agency is working with the Abia state Orientation Agency to educate the people on the need to adhere to Better waste management process.
He urged the people to dispose their waste properly as well as pay their dues regularly.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Sports said that members of the newly reconstituted Abia warriors, Enyimba and Abia Comets football clubs would be inaugurated today, Tuesday 17 October, 2023.
Account to him, plans are on to upgrade the Umuahia Township Stadium to a world class status even as he announced that the ministry will soon commence sensitization tour to schools on the need for students to partake in sporting activities.
