On Monday, the state of Ekiti gave checks totaling N915 million in gratuities to no less than 289 pensioners.
The governor stated that he was fulfilling one of his election campaign promises when he handed out the various categories of checks to the senior citizens.
The beneficiaries, which include retired employees from the state, local government, and primary schools, thanked the governor for covering their debts.
They also took the time to send him their best prayers, wishing him a long life and wisdom to steer the state’s affairs correctly and to greater heights.
The ecstatic pensioners in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, who spoke through Mrs. Beatrice Ogunjemilua and Mr. Alonge Michael Alabi, described the occasion as “unprecedented” in the region.
The Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, took advantage of the opportunity to reaffirm his administration’s dedication to programs and policies that would improve the standard of living for residents of Ekiti, particularly pensioners.
“Since we took over, we have always paid public employee pensions in addition to their salaries,” Oyebanji said. I can assure you that this will continue.
“Today, the sum of N700 million has been paid out as gratuity to 192 retired civil servants and the sum of N215 million to 79 Local Government retirees,” the governor announced, adding that the gratuities payment was in fulfillment of his campaign promise of shared prosperity.
The governor acknowledged the difficulties facing the retirees as a result of the regrettable delay in receiving their gratuity benefits as and when due and vowed that his administration would keep working to ensure that pensioners led honorable lives following their meritorious service to the state.
Oyebanji emphasized that his administration has paid over N1.2 billion in gratuities to retirees from the state and local governments since taking office in October 2022. He also insisted that the payment of monthly pensions has been consistent.
“Therefore, I am committed to making sure that the welfare of our retirees continues to be of the utmost importance,” he declared. We also firmly resolve to put an end to the practice of making senior citizens wait interminably to pay their gratuities. We will keep looking for creative ways to support you in retirement because this is a top priority for us.
Elder Joel Akinola, state chair of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Kolapo Olatunde, Sola Adigun, chair of the Trade Union Congress, and Femi Ajoloko, chair of the Joint Negotiating Council, all thanked the governor for prioritizing the welfare of workers and pensioners in the state.
