Oyo state government has put smile on the faces of retired primary school teachers and local government staff across the state by paying Gratuity entitlement to them.
436 retirees were presented cheques on Monday, at the Water Corporation Building, secretariat, Ibadan by the Chairman, Local Government Staff Pension Board, Prince Abdulfatai Adebayo Adeyemi.
Representing the Governor, Comrade Titilola Sodo said it is indeed wholesome, as the lives of the pensioners will invariably receive a boost occasioned by the magnanimous release of over N1 billion by His Excellency.
Speaking further, Comrade Sodo said, “Since the inception of GSM administration, His Excellency had paid gratuity of #8. 29 billion at the local government level, and #5. 4 billion at the state level, totalling #13. 69 billion thus far. The interesting aspect of it is that solid infrastructure, without compromising quality and standard are also being put in place across the state.
“Kindly check the Adamasingba sports complex being renovated with international standard touch, and which will by God’s grace be commissioned this very week; the Moniya-Iseyin road, which is only comparable to Ilesa/Akure highway in terms of standard and quality; Oyo/Iseyin road, which although belongs to the federal government, yet is being rehabilitated for the use of our people; recruitment of 5,000 teachers into our public schools, 500 nurses into our clinics, as well as doctors recruited and placed on GL 13; sole ownership of LAUTECH, to mention just a few. All these achievements are visible even to the blind, but if some detractors have deliberately decided not to see them, then something is wrong somewhere with such people. ”
He enjoined the pensioners to continue to support the administration of Engr Seyi Makinde as more goodies are coming their ways.
Adebayo Adeyemi, Chairman Local Government Staff Pension Board was also full of praise for the Governor as he expressed the Board’s gratitude for he has demonstrated unflinching supports and great care for the course of the pensioners across the state.
Adeyemi advised pensioners to utilize the money well and make judicious use of the resources.
” It is highly imperative to chip-in some words of advice to our pensioners numbering Four Hundred and thirty-six (436) who are privileged to benefit in this largesse which comes to the retired civil servant once in a life time. You are admonished to make judicious use of the resources since your decision at every point in time determines the benefits that would be accrued to you on the fund. For those that already have business plan, I urge us to be passionate about it and for those of us that are yet to have one, you are encouraged to employ the services of experts on how best to invest your money.”
In their various goodwill messages, the Chairman of Ibadan North West local government and representative of ALGON at the event, Hon. Rahaman Adepoju; and Nigeria Union of Pensioners state Assistant Secretary, Comrade Banji Koleoso, both counseled the retirees on the imperative of making a judicious use of the money, avoid scammers, do their homework very well prior to venturing into any business at this time, and finally prayed for them that they would not spend the money on sickness or devourer.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Richard Olayiwola appreciated God for counting them worthy to receive their entitlements in their lifetime, praying for Governor Seyi Makinde to continue to soar higher in and outside office.