By IHECHINYERE CHIGEMERI-UWOM

Abia Government has restated its commitment to clear all pension arrears of its retired workers before the end of the year.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr Okey Kanu, made this known on Monday while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting, at the Government House, Umuahia.

Kanu said the decision was informed by the promise made by the Gov. Alex Otti during his campaign to improve the welfare of pensioners.

He said that a verification exercise was being conducted to ascertain genuine pensioners, adding that as soon as the exercise is completed payment would commence.

“Let me reiterate government’s position to pay off all outstanding pensions once the verification exercise 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 exercise is concluded,” he added.

Kanu said that he was delighted with the efficient manner in which the verification exercise is being conducted.

He expressed optimism that the smooth operation of the verification exercise would lead to its timely completion by next week.

Kanu further said that the exercise had garnered widespread commendation throughout the state for its exceptional execution

He said that the verification team visited elderly pensioners who could not travel in their homes, while those who were unable to attend in person were guided to utilise the Sub- Treasury and those residing far from the verification centers were provided with online codes to participate.

Kanu added that pensioners in the state were delighted with the unprecedented care shown during the process.

He also said that reconstruction work would soon commence on more roads in Aba and they include Kent by Ehi Road, People’s Road, Cemetery Road phase 2 as well as Omuma Road.

He said that other roads which would receive government attention include Ozu Abam – Ndi Okereke – Arochukwu Road, Umuahia – Uzuakoli – Ohafia – Arochukwu Road.

Also, the General Manager of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Mr Ogbonnia Okereke, said that additional disposable trucks had been procured and distributed to Umuahia and Aba to further drive the government’s “Clean Up Abia Campaign”.

Okereke said that the agency was working with the Abia State Orientation Agency to educate the people on the need to imbibe better waste management practices.

He urged the people to dispose their wastes properly as well as pay their ASEPA dues regularly.

The Commissioner for Sports, Mr Nwaobilor Ananaba, said that members of the newly reconstituted of Abia Warriors, Enyimba and Abia Comets football clubs would be inaugurated on Tuesday.

Ananaba said that plans were underway to upgrade the Umuahia Township Stadium to a world-class status.

He added that the ministry would soon begin a sensitisation visit to schools across the state to teach them need for students to partake in sporting activities. (NAN)

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