Delta State government has released the sum of N2billion to the Central Bank of Nigeria for the payment of pensioners in the state through the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The commissioner for finance in the state, Olorogun David Edevbie, made the disclosure on Wednesday, at a briefing after the Executive Council meeting presided over by the state governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa. Also at the press briefing which was coordinated by the commissioner for information, Mr Patrick Ukah, were the commissioners for basic and secondary education, Mr Chiedu Ebie; works, Chief James Augoye; and energy, Barr. Newworld Safugha.

According to Edevbie, about six states are working with the contributory pension scheme and the Delta State government believes that it is a good platform to take care of the pensioners.

While declining to state how much the state is indebted to the pensioners, Edevbie said Governor Okowa is aware of the plights of the pensioners and is working to entrench a culture of paying them as at when due.

The commissioner for works disclosed that Governor Okowa’s administration has awarded 48.8 kilometres of roads and that the contractors have been given 25 per cent of the contract sums as mobilisation.

Chief Augoye stated that the contractors have gone to site, adding that some of the roads would be completed by March next year and work will commence on others in January.