SENIOR CITIZENS IN ENUGU STATE CALL FOR PAYMENT OF ARREARS OF GRATUITY

Pensioners in Enugu state have been assured of regular payment of pension and gratuity.

The Enugu State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi gave the assurance on the occasion of the eleventh pensioners Day celebration in Enugu.

Represented by the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Emeka Okeke, Governor Ugwuanyi praised the contributions of the senior citizens in the development of the state.

He said he shared in their pains occasioned by arrears of pension and gratuity owed them, noting that his administration was poised to offsetting them.

Earlier in an address of welcome, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Enugu State Council, Comrade Damian Udeani commended the governor for his interest in the affairs of the pensioners, but maintained that more needed to be done.

Comrade Udeani said pensioners should be supported with social welfare scheme to encourage those still in service.

Some pensioners, Comrade Charles Eme, Mr. Cletus Mma and Mrs Ann Mbaeze, regretted that many of their colleagues were dying as a result of poverty and appealed to the government to budget more fund to offset their arrears.

Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of an award of pensioners friendly Governor to the Governor of Enugu State, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

CHIDINMA UJOH