Ebonyi State Governor , Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru says government will assist students in public schools in the payment of NECO and WAEC fees , just as he directed that payment of gratuities will henceforth be on monthly basis.
The Governor dropped the hint when he received the management of the Local Government Staff Pensions Board led by the Executive Secretary , Mr. Emeka Nwonu.
He observed that the recent increase in NECO and WAEC fees is very challenging to most parents, and said government is willing to cushion the effect.
” I learnt that the amount for NECO and WAEC registration has been increased from 18, 000 Naira to about 34, 000 Naira and people are finding it difficult to cope with the situation. I have directed the State Commissioner for Education to calculate the number of students who are registering for the examinations in public schools so that we can look at it because It is our duty to serve the people. If we can’t pay all, we can pay at least 50% .”
On the pension and gratuity, the Governor advised retiring civil servants to endeavour to process their retirement papers on time to enable them collect their benefits immediately after retirement.
“. Payment of gratuities is now on monthly basis, if you have not been paid gratuity , you will not be qualified to receive pension. Therefore, I advise you to always proceed on 3 months retirement leave to enable you process your papers so that you will be paid immediately. We are not interested in owing ‘.
He commended the Executive Secretary of the Board for taking proactive steps to reposition the Board.
The Executive Secretary of the Board told the Governor that he has taken steps to ensure that Local Government retirees are paid their benefits.
” Your Excellency, I am here with the report of the findings for official presentation to you, but summarily, we have a total of 4,920 pensioners alive, who are awaiting their unpaid retirement benefits, while 1,135 are dead but owed retirement benefits. In all the areas stand at above N9bn”.
