Jubilation as 289 Ekiti retirees get N915m gratuities

No fewer than 289 pensioners in Ekiti State on Monday received cheques worth N915m as gratuities from the state government, describing it as fulfillment of the electioneering promises of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, to the senior citizens.

The beneficiaries, comprising state, local government and primary schools retirees, lauded the governor for the payment and prayed for him for long life and wisdom to continue to paddle the affairs of the state to greater heights.

The jubilant pensioners, who spoke through Mrs Beatrice Ogunjemilua and Mr Alonge Alabi in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, while receiving their individual cheques for the entitlements from the governor, described the event as unprecedented in the state.

The governor, while reiterating his administration�s commitment to programmes and policies that would enhance the quality of life of Ekiti residents, especially the pensioners, said, �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 N700m has been paid out to 192 retired civil servants as gratuity and the sum of N215m to 79 local government retirees.�

Oyebanji, who said his administration had since inception in October 2022, paid over N1.2bn as gratuity,� promised that he would continue to ensure that pensioners enjoyed worthy lives after their meritorious service to the state.

The state chairmen of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Elder Joel Akinola; Nigeria Labour Congress, Kolapo Olatunde; Trade Union Congress, Sola Adigun, and Joint Negotiating Council, Femi Ajoloko, expressed appreciation to the governor for making welfare of workers and pensioners in the state a top priority in his agenda.