Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on Monday June 11, 2018, sworn in Sir Tony Obuh and Comrade Lawson Efenudu, as Chairman and Secretary of Delta State Pension Bureau respectively.
In the brief ceremony which took place in the Exco chambers, Government House, Asaba, the State Governor during the inauguration, congratulated Sir Obuh and Comrade Efenudu, on their appointments, noting that, as experienced technocrats and labour leaders, they should carry out their functions accountably and transparent manner to enable them win the confidence of labour unions. In the words of the governor, “I believe that the Nigerian Workers, especially those in Delta State have been very cooperative with this government, we have developed a partnership which enables all of us to work together because there is no government that can do well without the workforce and the workers have taken us thus far in the course of this administration”, he emphasized.
Responding on behalf of Comrade Efenudu after the swearing-in ceremony, Sir Tony Obuh, commended His Excellency, Governor Okowa, for deeming them fit to serve the state as Chairman and Secretary of the Pension Bureau, assuring that they will do their best with the co-operation of all Deltans to ensure that pensioners in the state get their entitlement as at when due.
After the swearing-in ceremony, guests were treated to a lavish reception party at Sir Tony Obuh’s residence in Asaba. Some of the personalities who came to felicitate with the seasoned administrator include; Hon. Festus Okoh, member representing Ika South at the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon.. (Barr.) Victor Okoh, Chairman, Ika South LGA, Hon. (Mrs.) Agboma, Vice Chairman, Ika South LGA, Chief Nwaebo, Mr. Sebastine Okoh, Chief Philip Onyekpe, Mr. Jonathan Onwuka, Comrade William Eghebi, Hon. Stephen .D., Hon. Mike .O. Hon. Onyesom, AKA Last K Mrs. C. Ogbeonyeri, Mr. M. Kiyem, Amb. Paul Alika, members of Oki community, members of Agbor Gha Ihun vigilante group, among many others.
In a chat with newsmen, Sir Tony Obuh, said he was happy for the recognition by the state government for the assignment in contributing his quota to serve. This he stated was a great honour and challenging, considering what is on ground at the pensions board. He noted however, that not many people have been receiving their gratuity from the board, explaining that it was not the fault of the state government but because of the paucity of funds, saying that a situation where we have two thousand pensioners on the pay roll and the state is able to pay about forty, is not exciting; hence for him being called upon to serve there appears to be a challenging task. He was optimistic that with God on their side, he will do his best. When asked by the pressmen whether the issue of pensioners not getting their entitlements will be a thing of the past during his tenure; he responded that the assurance to workers is hitched on a number of limitations, which solely depends on the amount of fund that is available to the state. His prayer is that there will be enhancement in the revenue earnings of the state so that the board can do better than it is doing presently.
Sir Tony Obuh thanked God for the opportunity and appreciated His Excellency, the State Governor for finding him worthy of the appointment.