Oyebanji disburses N2bn gratuities, seeks pensioners’ support

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji continues to prioritize the welfare of retirees, disbursing an additional N2 billion in gratuity payments. This latest payment benefits retirees from the state civil service who retired in 2017 and those from the local government service who retired in 2014. The governor expressed his administration's determination to eliminate the backlog of gratuity payments that have historically caused hardship for former employees.

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When I came on board, I promised to prioritise your welfare. As of today, the government has consistently reduced the backlog of gratuities.

Governor Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Mrs. Monisade Afuye, stated that his administration has paid a total of N19 billion in gratuities, comprising N7.3 billion to local government pensioners and N11.7 billion to state pensioners. Furthermore, monthly pensions have been paid regularly without arrears, totaling N65.3 billion, with N31.7 billion for local government pensioners and N33.6 billion for state pensioners.

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A total sum of N7.3bn has been paid to local government pensioners, while N11.7bn has been paid to state pensioners, bringing the total gratuity payments to N19bn.

Appealing for support for his second-term ambition, Oyebanji assured retirees that their welfare would remain a top priority. He noted significant improvements in monthly pension amounts, with the lowest-paid pensioner now receiving N20,000, a substantial increase from previous amounts. The governor also mentioned that N1.3 billion has been allocated for pensioners' palliative care between May and November 2024 to alleviate economic pressures.

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Since inception, monthly pensions have been paid regularly without delay. We do not owe any arrears. We have paid a sum of N31.7bn to local government pensioners and N33.6bn to state pensioners, totalling N65.3bn in monthly pension payments.