No fewer than 289 pensioners in Ekiti State on Monday received cheques worth N915 million as gratuities from the state government.
While issuing out the various categories of cheques to the senior citizens, the governor said it is in fulfilment of one of his electioneering promises.
The beneficiaries, comprising state, local government and primary school retirees, lauded the governor for the payment of their dues.
They also took time out to extend their best prayer wishes to him, as they mostly wished him long life and wisdom to continue to paddle right, the affairs of the state and to greater heights.
The jubilant pensioners, who spoke through Mrs Beatrice Ogunjemilua and Mr Alonge Michael Alabi, in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, described the event as “unprecedented” in the state.
The Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, seized the occasion to reiterate his administration’s commitment to programmes and policies that would enhance the quality of life of Ekiti residents, especially pensioners.
Oyebanji said, “Since we came on board, we have always paid pensions along with salaries of public servants. This, I assure you, will continue.
“Today, the sum of N700 million has been paid out to 192 retired civil servants as gratuity and the sum of N215 million to 79 Local Government retirees,” he governor disclosed, adding that the gratuities payment was in fulfilment of his campaign promise of shared prosperity.
The governor, who assured that his administration would continue to ensure that pensioners enjoyed worthy lives after their meritorious service to the state, said he was not unaware of challenges confronting the retires as a result of the regrettable delay in accessing their gratuity benefits as and when due.
Oyebanji stressed that his administration has since inception in October 2022, paid over N1.2 billion as a gratuity to both the state and local government retirees, and also insisted that payment of monthly pensions has been regular.
He said, “I am therefore committed to ensuring that the welfare of our retirees continues to be of topmost priority. We are also irrevocably committed to ending the regime of endless wait in the payment of gratuity by our senior citizens. This is a priority for us, and we will continue to explore innovative ways to support you in your retirement.”
The state chairmen of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Elder Joel Akinola; Nigeria Labour Congress, Kolapo Olatunde; Trade Union Congress, Sola Adigun and Joint Negotiating Council, Femi Ajoloko; expressed gratitude to the governor for making the welfare of workers and pensioners in the state a top priority on his agenda.
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