Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has
distributed the first set of 2,660 bags of rice to pensioners in the State.
Performing the function at Independence Square, Amawbia, Governor Obiano said
the welfare of pensioners, who served the State faithfully in the past, would
remain a priority throughout the life span of his administration.
The beneficiaries are retired primary school teachers
and local government workers from Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South, Dunukofia
and Njikoka local government areas.
The Governor recalled that on inception his
administration offset N1.8b pension arrears and had since maintained regular
monthly payment in line with his promise to deliver on physical and human
infrastructure. He restated the resolve of his government to give Awka a
befitting capital status and announced that work would soon commence on the
Ukwu – Oji Isi – Agu road.
Obiano urged the people to give APGA resounding
victory in the coming election to consolidate good governance in the state. The State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs,
Mrs Azuka Enemuo said over ten thousand pensioners would benefit from the
exercise across the State. Enemuo recalled that APGA governments in the State
had paid over N42b pension arrears owed since 1999 during which time, she said,
the retired workers suffered untold hardship. She disclosed that the state
secretariat of the pensioners’ association has been completed and would soon be
commissioned.
In their reactions, the pensioners wished the Governor
God’s blessings. Mr Felix Okafor expressed gratitude to Obiano for his good
gesture. Mrs Kate Chikweobi prayed God to endow the Governor with wisdom to
pilot the affairs of the state.
