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Subsidy removal: Governor Oyebanji provides free buses for students, workers

…releases promotion, leave bonus arrears,

By Christopher Deborah

The Commissioner of Finance, Ekiti State, Mr. Akintunde Oyebode on Wednesday says Governor Biodun Oyebanji has approved free shuttle buses for workers and students to ease transportation to work and schools.

The commissioner stated this while addresing newsmen in Ado Ekiti on the measures put in place by government to ameliorate the suffering of residents.

According to Mr Oyebode who is the Chairman Committee on Ekiti state palliative ” the decision will help to stabilize our nation in the long term as affirmed by President Bola Tinubu, who faithfully implemented this budgetary decision, and officially discontinued the subsidy on petrol upon assuming office.

He explained that a decision of such magnitude would always come with short term pains, especially a significant rise in fuel prices, which has resulted in a general increase in the consumer price index.

” Governor Biodun Oyebanji set up a committee to propose urgent interventions that will soften the impact of these necessary decisions. The committee which I had the honour of chairing, met with various stakeholders, including representatives of Organized Labour, to discuss possible interventions, within the limited resources available to us”

“We have now completed our assignment, and will now present Ekiti State’s Subsidy Relief Programme.

“As a result of our engagement with Organized Labour, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has now approved the immediate implementation of the following measures”

Payment of one year’s leave bonus for State and Local Government workers.

Payment of one month’s pension arrears for State and Local Government pensioners.

Implementation of consequential adjustment for
workers on GL. 14 to GL. 17 for State and Local Government workers.

Implementation of 90% CONHESS and 100% Hazard Allowance for health workers at the Local Governments.

Implementation of salary parity for clinical staff of the Hospitals’ Management Board.

Implementation of financial benefits of 2020 and 2021 promotions for State and Local Government workers.

“Immediate payment of one month subvention arrears to tertiary institution”

“In addition to the already mentioned interventions, Governor Oyebanji has also approved additional interventions designed to directly impact our poorest and most vulnerable residents in Ekiti state.which include: Payment of N5,000 as a conditional cash transfer to 10,000 households from August till December 2023, with emphasis on our aged people,Inclusion of 10,000 persons in the Ulera Wa health insurance programme.

“A food distribution programme that will commence this month”

The distribution of inputs to farmers as well as financial support to small businesses and our informal sector.

It is important to note that the fiscal benefits of these difficult decisions taken by Mr. President are already being felt, and these interventions, an urgent and immediate response to the hardship being faced by our people is only possible because of the additional revenues earned by the three tiers of Government.

As a Government, we feel the pain of our people, and acknowledge those who stressed the need
for an immediate response from us. The situation required broad consultation with various groups,
to ensure our response alleviates the pain of the people.

He therefore reiterated commitment of present administration to the people of Ekiti State, saying the increased revenues from the removal of fuel subsidy would lead to better service delivery from Government.

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