Yesterday, Governor BAO presented gratuity cheques worth over 500 million naira to some State pensioners from 2013/2014. The Local Government pensioners will receive theirs next week.
The Governor has approved that 100 million naira be set aside every month for gratuity payments to State pensioners, while another 100 million naira be set aside for Local Government pensioners, totalling 200 million naira monthly. The Governor instructed that the 200 million naira set aside should be disbursed to both State and Local Government pensioners every month without any ceremony until the committee set up to resolve gratuity issues comes up with a final solution to defray all backlogs of gratuities.
Below are excerpts from the speech made by the Permanent Secretary, PTAD at the presentation yesterday
“Today’s occasion is in fulfilment of promises made last year by Mr Governor, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), to the pensioners to constantly defray backlogs of gratuities when fund is available. The Governor has been making efforts in payment of pensions to about 9,700 pensioners totaling over 600 Million Naira on a Monthly basis and has not reneged on his promises since the commencement of his administration to date. “
“Inspite of the various Economic Challenges, the State Government makes funds available for the payment of gratuity, this is a demonstration of commitment of the present administration to the welfare of the Senior Citizens in Ekiti State. This year (2024) the government paid pensioners the outstanding pension arrears of two months (August & Sept; 2018) owed by the previous administration to the tune of Seven Hundred and Sixty Million Naira (# 760,000,000.00). In addition, the Government continued to cater for the welfare of the Senior Citizens. The Palliative to cushion the effect of economic hardship is also commendable. In addition to the provision of food items, all pensioners in Ekiti receive a monthly wage award of ten thousand (10,000.00) efforts are on the pensioners in Health Insurance Scheme at no cost to the pensioners. We thank Mr. Governor for this kind gestures. “
“Today, Mr Governor will be presenting cheques to one hundred and fifty-two (152) beneficiaries to the tune of Five Hundred Million Naira (500,000,000.00). “
“To date this administration had paid a sum of One Billion, Seven Hundred Million ( 1,700,000,000.00 ) as outstanding gratuities. I want to use this opportunity to appreciate Your Excellency for your magnanimity, Love and concern for retirees in Ekiti State.”
When it comes to payment of pensions, gratuities and even taking care of retirees, please give it to Governor Biodun Oyebanji
