Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has presented gratuity cheques totaling one billion naira to 450 pensioners, reaffirming his administration’s promise to settling all outstanding gratuity arrears promptly.
During a brief ceremony at the Jibowu Hall, Government House, Governor Oyebanji stressed his government’s dedication to the welfare of senior citizens who have served the state with distinction. He acknowledged the challenges retirees face due to delayed gratuity payments and assured that efforts are underway to eliminate these arrears, aiming for a “pay-as-you-go” system.
The Governor highlighted that his administration has disbursed over 14 billion naira in pensions and gratuities, including clearing over one billion naira in pension arrears and 150 million naira in outstanding deductions. Additionally, the state has introduced free healthcare for retirees in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Governor Oyebanji urged public servants to join the newly introduced contributory pension scheme, which promises quicker and more efficient gratuity payments. He noted that the administration has prioritized pension payments, with monthly pensions being a first-line charge.
In his address, the Governor stated, “Since assuming office, we have paid a total of N12.57 billion in pensions and an additional N2.3 billion in gratuities. Today, we are disbursing one billion naira to this batch of pensioners and continuing with the monthly payment of N200 million to both state and local government retirees.”
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, state executive council members, state house of assembly members, and labor leaders. Governor Oyebanji also announced the state’s readiness to implement a new minimum wage once it is signed into law by the President, assuring pensioners of their inclusion in this adjustment.
Dr. (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi, the Head of Service, praised the gratuity payments as unprecedented and thanked the Governor for his commitment to the welfare of pensioners and the entire workforce. Labor leaders from the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, and the Joint Negotiation Council expressed their gratitude, highlighting the Governor’s achievements over the past twenty months.
Beneficiaries Mrs. Cecelia Ojo and Mr. Fadare Ezekile lauded Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises and restoring their trust in the government. The ceremony was also attended by Minority Leader Hon. Ogunsakin Olaoye and Secretary to the State Government Dr. (Mrs) Habibat Adubiaro, among others.
