The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday disbursed another N2bn in gratuity payments to pensioners in the state.
The governor, who said his administration was determined to end the era when retirees suffered neglect due to delays in the payment of their entitlements, stated that the gratuity payment covered 2017 retirees in the state civil service and 2014 retirees in the local government service.
Oyebanji, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, during the presentation of the cheques, assured retirees that his administration would continue to accord top priority to their welfare in recognition of their contributions to the development of the state.
The governor said, “When I came on board, I promised to prioritise your welfare. As of today, the government has consistently reduced the backlog of gratuities.
“A total sum of N7.3bn has been paid to local government pensioners, while N11.7bn has been paid to state pensioners, bringing the total gratuity payments to N19bn.
“Since inception, monthly pensions have been paid regularly without delay.
We do not owe any arrears. We have paid a sum of N31.7bn to local government pensioners and N33.6bn to state pensioners, totalling N65.3bn in monthly pension payments.
“I know that if we return for a second term, I will do better for you. I am not going to betray you. On election day, troop out and vote for me to realise this second-term ambition, so that all these benefits you are enjoying can continue.
“Before, there were those receiving N1,000 as monthly pensions. But this government implemented the consequential adjustment arising from the N70,000 minimum wage. Today, the least-paid pensioner receives N20,000 monthly.
“Between May 2024 and November 2024, a sum of N1.3bn was spent on palliatives for pensioners to reduce economic pressures on them.”
As part of efforts to improve post-retirement welfare, Oyebanji added that his administration had taken steps to strengthen the Contributory Pension Scheme by committing N2.16bn for about 16,000 workers across ministries, departments and agencies under the scheme.
The Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, described the governor’s commitment to gratuity payments as “a ray of hope for retirees.”
Olomojobi said, “The governor has been fulfilling the pact he signed with retirees to prioritise their welfare, improve their quality of life and reduce mortality rates,” adding that the release of N2bn for gratuity payments further demonstrated Oyebanji’s commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises and making life more rewarding for retirees.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Pension Matters, Mr Pius Owolabi, who commended the governor for implementing policies favourable to retirees, urged pensioners to vote massively for him in the June 20 election in appreciation of his commitment to their welfare.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Kolapo Olatunde, and his counterpart in the Trade Union Congress, Omotola Farotimi, praised Oyebanji for ending the era of delayed payment of salaries, gratuities and other entitlements, which they said had improved the well-being of workers and pensioners.
Olatunde said, “Gone are the days when retirees had to rely on medication to manage health conditions aggravated by delays in the payment of pensions and gratuities.
“Today, Governor Oyebanji is ensuring prompt payment. Salaries, gratuities and pensions are now paid as and when due. What we need is massive support for him on June 20. Let us stand firmly by him. He has earned it and deserves it.”
A former labour leader, Oluropo Olayemi, who spoke on behalf of the retirees, appreciated the governor, saying his policies were creating an enabling environment for pensioners to enjoy the benefits of their years of service.