166 retirees of the Local Government Service in Delta State have received the sum of ₦34 million from the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) welfare scheme.
The State president of the Union, High Comrade Obatarhe Ogberetitinor revealed this while speaking with journalist shortly after the inaugural cash premium payment to the retirees at the NULGE Secretariat in Asaba.
Ogberetitinor said the gesture was aimed at alleviating the financial challenges faced by many retired workers across the state, adding that it was part of its welfare support and end-of-service benefits initiative especially those awaiting full payment of their entitlements.
He expressed profound happiness that the union had finally delivered on its commitment to reward retired members who had dedicated their years of service to the local government system.
“I’m so glad that we are fulfilling the promise we made three years ago. The money may not be much compared to the current value of the naira, but you could see the joy and excitement in the hall today as our retired senior citizens received their payment alerts. It gives me great joy as words can’t even describe how I feel. It’s truly a great day for all of us,” he said.
The NULGE president further explained that the payment was drawn from a well-structured welfare plan designed to ensure sustainability for the next ten years.
“What we used to pay retirees today did not come from the capital contributed. It was from the yearly premium. The capital will be sustained while the annual premium will continue to serve our senior citizens,” he explained, assuring that the initiative would continue as long as the local government service exists in Delta State.
He reaffirmed the union’s unwavering commitment to transparency and worker welfare, urging staff to maintain their confidence in NULGE.
“We represent their interests and will never betray their trust. None of our promises will go unfulfilled because we are working for the workers. They will surely enjoy the fruits of their labour,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, the first Chairman of the Commission, Arch. Anslem Nwokeyem, lauded the NULGE leadership for initiating and executing what he described as a “notable and laudable scheme.”
“I’m greatly impressed. This is a wonderful and commendable program. Kudos to the NULGE executive for implementing such a noble initiative that puts smiles on the faces of our retirees,” he said.
On his part, the Chairman NULGE Contributory Welfare Scheme, Comrade Ijolo Omo-Ohwo, the prudency and accountability of the management committee members yielded much desired result when they decided to embark on disciplined savings, smart investment in treasury bills, prompt involvement in interest based loans and the purchasing of landed properties to secure future financial values for the scheme.
He said 166 retirees met the requirements to receive their cash premium of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000.00) each.
“This careful and transparent approach does not only preserved the integrity of the funds, but also ensured the scheme’s continuous growth – safe guarding the interest of all members, both in service and out of service”, he said.
The Chairman NULGE Contributory Welfare Scheme, however appealed to their employer, the various council chairmen (ALGON) and the HPM/ TLG college to work in consonance to see how the scheme can be supported either through monthly or yearly grants.
Also speaking on behalf of the President of the College of Head of Personnel Management and Treasurers of Local Government, the HPM of Oshimili South, Mrs Chidinma Omoghene lauded the welfare committee for their transparency and accountability.
Omoghene urged the executives to continue so as to earn more trust from the workers.
Highlight of the event was the formal presentation of cash gifts to the retirees and the inauguration of the welfare committee.
