The Governor of Oyo state, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has approved the disbursement of over 1.3 billion naira for the payment of gratuity and death benefits to Retired Public Primary School teachers and Local Government Service employees for the first quarter of 2024.
This was disclosed by the Honourable Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Olayiwola Olusegun during a press conference on Thursday, stating that this decision is set to benefit over four hundred retirees in this phase.
His words: “This administration had paid a sum of Seventeen Billion, Nine Hundred and Twenty-six Million, Three Hundred and Eighty-two Thousand, Nine Hundred and four Naira, Twenty-four Kobo (17,926,382,904.24K) out of a sum of Twenty-seven Billion, Five Hundred and Fifty-five Million, Five Hundred and Seven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Four Naira, Eighty-four Kobo (N27,555,507,904.84) unpaid inherited gratuity and death benefits from the past administrations in the State.”
He also explained that Governor Makinde has granted amnesty and reinstatement to all pensioners who missed the “I AM ALIVE SCREENING EXERCISE” since 1994. This gesture extends to both State Pensioners and those under the Local Government Staff Pension Board, with a financial commitment running into millions of naira.
He said: “This is in addition to timely payment of monthly pension allowances and other unprecedented welfare packages; wage award, Christmas Bonus, Free Health Insurance Scheme and many others for the Pensioners.”
He also explained that since assuming office, the Makinde administration has prioritized the welfare of retirees, evident in the settlement of a substantial portion of outstanding gratuity and death benefits inherited from previous administrations.
“Governor ’Seyi Makinde remains resolute in his commitment to the growth and development of Oyo State and seeks the loyalty, support, and prayers of all residents for the success of his administration.
“Finally, government will continue to make life more meaningful and bearable for all pensioners in the State,” he added.
He finally expressed that the Oyo State Government expressed gratitude for the cooperation of all stakeholders and pledges to continue its efforts to enhance the well-being of retirees in the State.
Reacting to the press conference, Revd Dr. James Ayanlowo, the Chairman of Chairmen of the Retired Local Government Pension Workers in Oyo State, remarked that “Governor Seyi Makinde is Godsent to us in Oyo state. Since he came into office, he has been paying our allowances, wage awards, Christmas bonuses, gratuity, and all other entitlements.”
Also speaking, Comrade Dosu Akinpelu Ajagbe, Chairman Retired Primary School Teachers, Oyo State Wing, said that, “Governor Makinde’s commitment to fulfilling our entitlements has been exemplary. We are grateful for his dedication to our welfare.”
Present at the press conference includes Alhaji Lukman Muriana, Permanent Secretary Oyo State Local Government Staff, Pension Board, Dn Ajagbe Joel Olaleye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government And Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Tunji Ogunwale, Secretary Retired Primary School Teacher Oyo State Wing, among others.
