Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, released over N1.3 billion to offset payment of gratuity and death benefits to retired primary school teachers and local government workers in the state.
The payment was for the first quarter of 2024.
The state Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola announced this at a press conference in Ibadan on Thursday.
He said over 400 retired primary school teachers and local government workers.
Olayiwola said : “This administration had paid a sum of Seventeen Billion, Nine Hundred and Twenty-six Million, Three Hundred and Eighty-two Thousand, Nine Hundred and four Naira, Twenty-four Kobo (17,926,382,904.24K) out of a sum of Twenty-seven Billion, Five Hundred and Fifty-five Million, Five Hundred and Seven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Four Naira, Eighty-four Kobo (N27,555,507,904.84) unpaid inherited gratuity and death benefits from the past administrations in the State.”
The Commissioner further explained that Makinde has granted amnesty and reinstatement to all pensioners who missed the “I AM ALIVE SCREENING EXERCISE” since 1994.
“This gesture extends to both State Pensioners and those under the Local Government Staff Pension Board, with a financial commitment running into millions of naira.
“This is in addition to timely payment of monthly pension allowances and other unprecedented welfare packages; wage award, Christmas Bonus, Free Health Insurance Scheme and many others for the Pensioners.”
He also explained that since assuming office, the Makinde administration has prioritized the welfare of retirees, evident in the settlement of a substantial portion of outstanding gratuity and death benefits inherited from previous administrations.
“Governor ’Seyi Makinde remains resolute in his commitment to the growth and development of Oyo State and seeks the loyalty, support, and prayers of all residents for the success of his administration.
“Finally, government will continue to make life more meaningful and bearable for all pensioners in the State,” he added.
He expressed the state government gratitude to all stakeholders for thrir support and cooperation.
In his reaction, the Chairman of Chairmen of the Retired Local Government Pension Workers in Oyo State, ,Reverend James Ayanlowo, thanked the state government for the gesture.
He said : “Governor Seyi Makinde is Godsent to us in Oyo state.
“Since he came into office, he has been paying our allowances, wage awards, Christmas bonuses, gratuity, and all other entitlements.”
Also speaking, Comrade Dosu Akinpelu Ajagbe, Chairman, Retired Primary School Teachers, Oyo State Wing, said : “Governor Makinde’s commitment to fulfilling our entitlements has been exemplary. We are grateful for his dedication to our welfare.”
(vitalnewsngr.com)
