By Chika Kwamba
Retired civil servants in Delta State, yesterday, called for a consequential adjustment of their pensions to reflect the new national minimum wage.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu increased the minimum wage in 2024 from 30,000 to 70,000, a development which was immediately adopted by the Delta State government led by Rt.Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
The call was made by the Chairman, Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, (ASORHOPS) Delta State, Sir Paul Evuarherhe at the 2024 Thanksgiving service/End -of -Year Party held in Asaba.
In his welcome address, Evuarherhe outlined the activities carried out by the association, which included hospital visitation and the disbursement of N200, 000 to offset the medical bills of indigents patients in Asaba Specialist Hospital(ASH). There was a thanksgiving service at St. John Vianney Catholic Church where they supported the building project in the parish with the sum of N200, 000.
According to him, “ It is perhaps pertinent to remark that the year 2024, was not a particularly easy one for Nigerians, and perhaps even more so for us as pensioners with fixed minimal pension and having to smart under the prevailing spiraling inflation and with little or no strength to embark on any side hustles to mitigate the hard living conditions.
“The present harsh economic conditions, understandably, have been largely responsible for the limited charity works we have been able to carry out this year in relation to what we did in previous years. It is hoped that our benevolent state government will effect the necessary adjustment to the income of retired public officers on consolidated salaries who are yet to benefit from the recent salary adjustments consequent upon the recent revised new minimum wage,” he said.
In a goodwill message, the Head of Service, Delta State, Mr. Reginald Bayoko poured forth his affection for the association, thanking God for preserving their lives over the years, even as he praised them for being a good role model to those yet to retire.
He said “Anytime I find myself in your midst, I have this sense of happiness, because looking at all of you, I must say that you look well. And I have to say this, again, that I look forward to my retirement because you have served as a role model of a happy retirement”
Remarking, Permanent Secretary/ Acountant-General of the state, Mrs. Joy Enwa announced her retirement from active service. “Hoping to gladly join this group soon, because this is a group of seasoned retired civil servants who have served, and I would love to be one of you.
Earlier, the Very Rev. Fr. Tochukwu Agha, in his homily, reminded the faithful of the significance of baptism as they celebrate the Feast and the Baptism of the Lord.
Agha said: “Today maked the end of the Christmas season, ushering Baptism of Christ that cleanses us from original sin, making us Christians, children of God and members of the church.” The baptism of Jesus is an invitation for us to share in his life and to be part of his life, we are to renounce ill religions and worldly passion and prepare our lives for his dwelling”, he said.
Additionally, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Okafor showered prayers and blessings on the group, including good health. He applauded the association for their unwavering commitment and service to the state. he admonished those in service not to relent but work assidiously for the development of the state.
Those present were the pioneer chairman of ASORHOPS Delta State, Sir. Andrew Elueche, Chairman of Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Hon. Emmanuel Okafor, former Head of Service, Sir. Okey Ofili and others.
