…promises to clear outstanding arrears
By Udesinanna Stephen
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has issued cheques worth N250 million to 114 retired Local Government Workers, Primary School Teachers.
Speaking at the presentation in Ado-Ekiti, the Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Monisade Afuye restated the administration’s commitment to pay outstanding gratuity of pensioners, saying the payment is in sequence and will continue monthly to reach others on the queue.
Governor Oyebanji said he had paid over a billion naira to pensioners since the beginning of this administration as well cleared three out of seven months arrears owed pensioners.
“Today we gather to express our gratitudes to men and women who have sacrificed for the development of this state. Retirement is meant to be a period of rest, peace and entitlement. For a long time many of you have waited; I appreciate your patience and as a responsible Government we respect you and we want to let you know that your welfare remains a priority to the state.” She said.
Governor Oyebanji appealed to other Pensioners yet to receive their gratuity cheques to exercise patient, saying it would soon get to them.
Also, the Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government Affairs, Chief Folorusho Olabode who commended giant stride of present administration to offset the outstanding gratuity of pensioners, despite the financial challenges and economic situation in the country.
On his own, the Special Adviser to the Governor on pension matters, Pious Owolabi noted that government is making efforts to fulfil all entitlement of the State’s Pensioners, adding that Pensioners is a topical matter in the government discuss.
Contributing, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP Ekiti State, Mr Joel Akinola, prayed God to grant the Governor long live and commended him for given priority to welfare pensioners in the State.
He said he had demostrated the real omoluabi for releasing cheques every month to offset the backlog of gratuity owed pensioners by past administrations.
Mr Akinola alos lauded the state Government initiative of free healthcare services for Pensioners, while advising them to register.