28/01/2026
Okpebholo is Committed to Ensuring all Pensioners are Paid - HOS
…urges pensioners to participate in ‘Am Alive’ Verification Exercise
The Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, has reaffirmed that the Sen. Monday Okpebholo–led administration is committed to ensuring no State pensioner is denied payment of lawful entitlements.
Dr. Okungbowa gave the assurance during an engagement in his office at the Government House, Benin City, with the Commissioner for Finance, the Accountant-General of the State, and members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).
While reiterating the State Government’s resolve to prioritise the welfare of pensioners, the HOS stressed the importance of the ongoing “Am Alive” Screening and Verification exercise. He disclosed that a significant number of pensioners were yet to be captured in the process. According to him, the exercise is critical to ensure transparency and accuracy of the Pension Payroll.
The HOS explained that the verification became necessary following observations that some pensioners remained unaccounted for, including cases where entitlements are still being paid to deceased beneficiaries. He stated that the administration is determined to ensure that no genuine pensioner is unfairly treated, and that it is equally important to eliminate irregularities in the system. He disclosed that, rather than immediately removing unverified names from the Payroll, which could adversely affect elderly citizens, the Governor has approved an additional grace period to enable all outstanding pensioners to complete the verification exercise.
Dr. Okungbowa urged the leadership of the NUP to intensify efforts at sensitising its members, particularly at the grassroots, to ensure full participation before the end of the stipulated timeline. He explained that failure to comply with the verification process may eventually compel the State Government to take the difficult decision of removing unverified names from the Payroll, describing such action as a last resort.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Emmanuel Okoebor, appealed to pensioners to come forward for the exercise, urging the Union to adopt alternative communication channels to reach members who may not be active on digital or social media platforms.
The Permanent Secretary and Chairman of the Edo State Pension Bureau, Mr. Washington Osaro Abbe, revealed that the Verification exercise has been ongoing for some time, but that many pensioners were yet to participate. He explained that the last comprehensive Verification was conducted in May, 2022, making the current exercise long overdue. He announced a further extension of the online "Am Alive Screening" Exercise to Thursday, 12th February, 2026 and urged pensioners to screen at the comfort of their homes via the Bureau's Website: pensionamalive.com.ng.
Mr. Abbe strictly noted that those who fail to participate in the online screening will have their names removed from the State Pension Payroll with effect from February, 2026. He stated, “I Am Alive’ verification aligns with global best practices, which recommend periodic screening at six-month intervals. This exercise would help address cases of unclaimed pensions, including funds returned by banks in respect of deceased pensioners, and further strengthen transparency in pension administration."
On his part, the Edo State Accountant-General, Mr. Julius Anelu, emphasised that it is neither healthy nor sustainable to continue payments to deceased beneficiaries. He noted that the State faces competing developmental needs and must deploy public resources responsibly. He called for effective communication strategies to drive the verification process to completion.
Speaking on behalf of pensioners, the Edo State Chairman of NUP, Comrade Samuel Okhuelegbe, appreciated the HOS for the patience and consideration shown to pensioners, who are yet to be screened. He assured that the Union would intensify awareness campaigns across all zones in the three senatorial districts to ensure that its members, including those in the diaspora, complied with the exercise. He noted that failure to participate in the screening would be the responsibility of affected pensioners and not that of the State Government.
Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
Public Relations Officer
Edo State Pensions Bureau
Photo Caption
The Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa (middle); in his office in Benin City, with the Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Emmanuel Okoebor; the State Accountant-General, Mr. Julius Anelu; the Permanent Secretary/Chairman, Edo State Pensions Bureau, Mr. Washington Abbe; among others during a strategic meeting with the members of the Nigeria Union of Pension, Edo State Chapter on the ongoing 'Am Alive' Screening Verification Exercise.
