N2 Billion Gratuity Payment Boosts Oyebanji’s Re-election Bid in Ekiti State

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has approved a fresh N2 billion gratuity payment for retirees, a move that has bolstered his re-election campaign as retirees across the state express their support for his administration.

The endorsement came during the distribution of gratuity checks to retired state and local government workers in Ado-Ekiti. Beneficiaries and labor leaders lauded the governor for his consistent efforts in reducing the backlog of retirement benefits and ensuring the timely payment of pensions. This latest disbursement covers gratuities for state government retirees up to 2017 and local government retirees up to 2014, marking a significant step in addressing long-standing welfare issues faced by pensioners.

Represented by Deputy Governor Chief Monisade Afuye, Governor Oyebanji reiterated his commitment to prioritizing retiree welfare. He described retirees as elder statesmen and women whose service laid the groundwork for the state's development. Oyebanji stated that his administration has remained true to its promise of enhancing pensioners' well-being through prompt pension payments, gradual liquidation of gratuity arrears, and other targeted interventions.

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When I came into office, I promised that pensioners would not be neglected. We have continued to reduce the backlog of gratuities while ensuring that monthly pensions are paid regularly and promptly. We remain committed to your welfare and wellbeing.

Since assuming office in October 2022, Oyebanji reported that a total of N19 billion has been paid as gratuities, with N65.3 billion allocated for monthly pension payments to both state and local government retirees. He detailed that N11.7 billion of the gratuity payments went to retired state workers, while N7.3 billion was paid to local government pensioners. Additionally, the administration has cleared N3.8 billion in pension arrears inherited from previous governments and ensured that current pension payments are up to date.

With the governorship election approaching, Oyebanji urged workers, retirees, and residents to support his continuity agenda, assuring them that a second term would allow him to consolidate ongoing reforms and deliver further benefits. Other welfare measures highlighted include the implementation of consequential adjustments for the new minimum wage, which raised the minimum monthly pension from N1,000 to N20,000, and N1.3 billion spent on palliative support between May and November 2024 to mitigate economic hardship. The government has also committed N2.16 billion to strengthen the Contributory Pension Scheme for approximately 16,000 public service workers.

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We have continued to reduce the backlog of gratuities while ensuring that monthly pensions are paid regularly and promptly.