Makinde Speaks On Promotion, says civil servants can rise to Grade Level 17

Akinlabi Afolabi, Ibadan

Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has made it known that civil servants in Oyo State can now rise to grade level (GL) 17 while those with outstanding promotions from the year 2017 to 2020 will be attended to this year.

The State governor stated this at the 2021 Interfaith service, held, on Wednesday, at state Secretariat, Ibadan, however, noted that only deserving civil servants will rise to grade level 17 as their terminal point of service.

Asserting his commitment to prioritising the welfare of workers, Makinde said the state was prepared to ensure that it does not default in regular payment of salaries and pensions.

Makinde further disclosed that his administration had so far spent about N9.3 billion to clear the backlog of pensions and gratuities.

Speaking further, he tasked both workers and government appointees alike to do a self-appraisal and commit themselves to better service this year.

He said: “We heard some people wondering last year if we will continue paying salaries promptly given the hardship occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic meltdown.

“Well, by the grace of God, we are not owing any salaries. We even surprised them more by paying 13th month salaries for the second time running at a time when other states are owing their workers.

“In fact, we have spent about N9.3 billion to pay pensions and gratuities owed by the previous administration so far and we will continue to pay to clear up the backlog.

“Also, as you may be aware, there is a backlog of outstanding promotions from 2016. This will be addressed this year. Furthermore, deserving civil servants will have the opportunity to get up to grade level 17 under our watch. Let me reassure you that we will continue to prioritise the welfare of the civil servants in Oyo State.”