Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has distributed gratuity cheques worth N3.5 billion to over 500 pensioners, marking this year’s Pensioners’ Day.
The payment is part of Oyebanji’s commitment to clearing the backlog of gratuity payments, which now stands at March 2015, up from 2012 when he assumed office. State pensioners received N2.3 billion, while local government pensioners received N1.2 billion, according to Independent.
Governor Oyebanji reassured pensioners of his administration’s readiness to implement the new N70,000 minimum wage. However, he noted a slight delay due to the need to capture all pensioners, teachers, state workers, and local government workers.
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners praised Oyebanji’s efforts, highlighting his priority on pensioners’ welfare. This includes regular monthly payments, clearing withheld deductions, and approving special wage awards.
Oyebanji’s administration has paid N5.4 billion to 1,796 state pensioners and N2.179 billion to 891 local government pensioners since taking office. The Governor encouraged pensioners to register under the State Health Insurance Scheme for free health services.
NUP National President, Godwin Abumhese, commended Oyebanji for fulfilling his electoral promise and setting the pace for other Southwest governors in pensioners’ welfare. Abumhese announced plans for a visit to appreciate Oyebanji’s efforts.
The event celebrated Oyebanji’s commitment to pensioners’ welfare, demonstrating his administration’s resolve to improve their lives.
The Governor said: “On the payment of your gratuity, I don’t think I have done anything spectacular. You are my parents and it is only a bastard that will not treat his parents well. My late mum died as a pensioner and my father who is at home is one of you.
“Whatever we are doing for you is not a favour, it’s your right because you worked for it. It is my desire that you are alive to collect your gratuity and every other entitlement that is due to you. Out of the three months arrears of local government pensioners, I have approved one month and we will deal with the remaining two months.
“As at date our administration had paid the sum of Five Billion, Four Hundred Million (N5,400,000,000) to One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Six (1,796) State Pensioners and the sum of Two Billion, One Hundred and Seventy Nine Million, One Hundred and Ten Thousand, forty Six Kobo (N2,179,110,000.46) to Eight Hundred and Ninety One (891) pensioners at the Local Government level.
“Today, I will be flagging off additional payment of Two Billion, Three Hundred Million Naira (N2.3b) to State Pensioners and One Billion, Two Hundred Million Naira (N1.2b) to Local Government Pensioners totalling Three Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira (N3.5b). This is another demonstration of our administration’s commitment to your welfare. I urge you to continuously pray for the success of this administration so that we shall continue to do more for you.
“After we might have paid (the beneficiaries of today), the gratuity payment will reach March 2015. We will continue to pay gratuity to our pensioners. Your prayers over me are getting answered, the only thing I need from you is your prayer.”
