Ekiti State government distributed cheques worth a total of N915 million to about 289 pensioners on Monday as gratuities in a move to fulfil one of the promises made by the Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji during his election campaign.
According to the report on the state’s website, the beneficiaries of the gratuities including the state, local government and primary school retirees, commended the governor for the payment of their dues for fulfilling his commitment to their financial well-being.
Expressing their appreciation, the pensioners took the opportunity to offer their heartfelt prayers for the governor’s long life and wisdom. They wished him success in steering the state towards progress and achieving even greater heights.
Speaking on behalf of the jubilant pensioners, Mrs Beatrice Ogunjemilua and Mr Alonge Michael Alabi, in the state capital of Ado Ekiti, described the event as unprecedented in the history of Ekiti State.
Governor Oyebanji, seizing the moment, reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to implementing programs and policies that would improve the quality of life for all Ekiti residents, with a special focus on the welfare of pensioners.
In his words, “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.”
In his commitment to providing a dignified life for pensioners who have dedicated their services to the state, the governor emphasized that his administration will persist in ensuring their well-being. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by retirees due to unfortunate delays in receiving their rightful gratuity benefits on time.
The governor, however, reassured the retirees that he is fully aware of these challenges and is determined to address them.
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.
The state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Elder Joel Akinola, along with Kolapo Olatunde from the Nigeria Labour Congress, Sola Adigun from the Trade Union Congress, and Femi Ajoloko from the Joint Negotiating Council, expressed their appreciation to the governor for prioritizing the well-being of workers and pensioners in the state.
