Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has presented cheques worth N915 million naira as gratuities to 289 State, local government and primary school retirees in the state.
The Governor while presenting the cheques reiterated his administration’s commitment to programmes and policies that will enhance the quality of life of Ekiti residents, especially the pensioners.
The Governor stated this during the presentation of cheques at the Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti.
Speaking at the event held at the Governor’s office, Ado Ekiti Oyebanji said the payment of the gratuity was in fulfilment of his campaign promise of shared prosperity.
He added that his administration would continue to ensure that pensioners enjoy a worthy life after their meritorious service to the state.
Governor Oyebanji, who said he was not unaware of challenges confronting the retires as a result of regrettable delay in accessing their gratuity benefits as and when due, assured the senior citizens that his government is irrevocably committed to ending the regime of endless wait in the payment of gratuities.
He informed the gathering that since the inception of his administration in October 2022, over 1.2 billion Naira had been paid as gratuity to both the State and Local government retirees while payment of monthly pensions had been regular.
“Today’s event is an actualization of one of my electioneering promises to our people. As I had promised you, I am committed to all programmes and policies that will enhance the quality of life, especially our pensioners who had spent their youthful age in the service of our dear State. Without any doubt, today’s event is another fulfilment our promise to make life worth living for our pensioners and commitment to our shared prosperity agenda.
“As elders and critical stakeholders who occupy strategic position in the scheme of things, our government is living no stone unturned to ensure that you all live a quality and happy life at retirement. I am aware of the many odds and challenges confronting retirees as a result of the regrettable delay in accessing your gratuity as and when due.
“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.
“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 be paid out to 192 retired civil servants as gratuity and the sum of N215 million to 79 Local Government retirees”. The Governor stated.
Governor Oyebanji used the opportunity to express his appreciation and to commend the management of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Department (PTAD) at both state and local government levels for the hard work and transparency they have deployed in processing this payment with particularly reference to their policy based on first-to-retire, first-to-be-paid, urging to sustain it religiously.
