Not less than 368 pensioners benefitted from over 1 billion naira rolled out by the Oyo state government in last quarter of the year 2021.
This was made known by the Chairman, Local Government Staff Pension Board, Prince Adebayo Adeyemi, while speaking with pensioners at the official flag off of the payment of gratuity to retired local government staff, retired primary school teachers, and next of kin of deceased across the 33 local government of the state on Tuesday in Ibadan.
Adeyemi, in his word said the dream to obtain the dividend of hard labour has finally come to fruition in the lives of the pensioners.
He added that the current administration is not taking any of the benefits of the pensioners for granted, hence showing gratitude to the most benevolent God who has preserved them to be partakers and witnesses of days like this.
“We must remain grateful to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde who has continued to show his commitment to the cause of the pensioners together with the workforce in the State.
“At this juncture, permit me to delve a bit into the essence of instituting pension scheme for the retirees by our founding fathers. It is obvious that the scheme was established with a view to protecting, providing and caring for the
retirees who have spent their productive days, laboring to provide services to enhance the well being of the country and her citizens.”
Also speaking at the event, State Secretary National Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Chapter, Comrade Segun Abatan enjoined pensioners to move away from being a bad instrument to politicians.
He added the pensioners in Oyo state are glad to have a God fearing man as a Governor as he keeps to his promise to his people.
He said: “We must tell our people not to allow those political leaders to use sweet words to take away their right as pensioners as we are one of the most important figures in the society.
“We are glad with the current administration as he made it his top priority to pay government workers their right which is rare. We are used to fight with government but we are enjoying life under this administration and we are happy.”
Also speaking, Dr Ayodele Risikat Busari, Secretary, Local Government staff Pension Board advised all pensioners to utilize the effort of the government by ensuring they improve on their health so as to enjoy the benefits for long.
Morayo Michael, one of the beneficiaries said he has been expecting his gratuity for about 5 years now before the current administration decided to put smile on his face.
“I’m so happy with this and I must say thank you to the Governor for fulfilling his promise to pensioners. I have been waiting for this for about 5years and today I will smile all day.” he said.
