By Ene Osang
Abuja
Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has paid a federal government pensioner, Mr. Awanye Emmanuel Okebunor, his arrears as of March 25, 2017, without his knowledge after being taken off the payroll in January, 2010.
In a statement, PTAD Executive Secretary, Sharon Ikeazor, said the gesture was part of the “continuous rigorous and steady verification and biometric capturing exercise for pensioners under its mandate for retired workers of the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).”
According to the statement, the discovery came as a pleasant surprise for Okebunor after showing up at the headquarters of PTAD on Wednesday, from his base in Okpanam in Oshimili council area of Delta state to be verified and captured.
The statement noted that the pensioner served with Nigeria Education Bank (EDUBANK) in Abuja as a senior typist on Grade level 7, Step 13.
“When PTAD conducted the Civil Service Pensioners verification exercise in Delta between February 27 and March 9, 2017, Okebunor failed to turn up to take advantage of the opportunity. He was compelled to visit the headquarters of PTAD as a last ditch effort to shore up funds for the funeral ceremonies of his mother, of which, he is an only child.
An elated Okebunor expressed gratitude to the Directorate, saying “it is an attestation of the commitment of PTAD to improve the welfare of pensioners.”
“I was surprised when I got here and saw it; I even doubted it. Madam (the verifier) checked and saw it. It’s just like a miracle. In fact, the grace of God was upon my life. When I was coming from Delta I even had to borrow money. My mother died. They should do unto others what they have done to me. Yes I have faith in it (PTAD.”
PTAD assured that he would continue to receive his monthly payments as at when due.