Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has presented gratuity cheques totalling one billion naira to 450 pensioners, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to promptly settling all outstanding gratuity arrears.
Ekiti News reports that the event took place at Jibowu Hall, Government House, where Governor Oyebanji emphasised his dedication to the welfare of senior citizens who have diligently served the state.
The Governor assured retirees that his administration is working tirelessly to ensure that gratuity arrears become a thing of the past, aiming for a “pay-as-you-go” system. He highlighted that over 14 billion naira has been paid in gratuity and pensions since his administration began, including settling over one billion naira in pension arrears and 150 million naira in outstanding deductions. He also announced the introduction of free healthcare for retirees in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) through the State Ministry of Health and Human Services. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the elderly and vulnerable groups with various social safety nets.
He urged public servants to embrace the newly introduced contributory pension scheme, ensuring a more efficient and quicker payment of gratuities. He proudly stated that since taking office, his administration has paid a total of 12,569,562,240 Naira in pensions and two billion, three hundred million Naira in gratuity to retired senior citizens. The current batch of payments amounts to one billion naira, with a commitment to continue monthly gratuity payments of 200 million Naira to both state and local government pensioners. The Governor also hinted at the forthcoming announcement of the state’s new minimum wage, pending the President’s approval, assuring pensioners they would benefit from this adjustment.
Dr. (Mrs.) Folakemi Olomojobi, the Head of Service, praised the Governor for his unprecedented commitment to pensioners’ welfare, highlighting his people-centred policies despite economic challenges. Labour leaders, including Elder Joel Akinola (Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Ekiti State Chapter), Comrade Kolapo Olatunde (NLC), Comrade Sola Adigun (Trade Union Congress), and Comrade Femi Ajoloko (Joint Negotiation Council), expressed gratitude for the Governor’s prioritisation of pensioners’ and workers’ welfare.
Mrs Cecelia Ojo and Mr Fadare Ezekiel, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises, and restoring their trust in the government.