Osun disbursed N47bn in gratuities over two years — Adeleke

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has disclosed that his administration has disbursed over N47 billion in gratuities to retirees since assuming office in November 2022.

The governor made this known on Monday in Osogbo, the state capital, during the presentation of bond certificates worth N1.9 billion to contributory pensioners from state and local governments.

Adeleke emphasised his administration’s dedication to addressing the challenges facing pensioners and the pension sector.

“Former Governor Aregbesola’s payment as of 2018 was a total of N17,152,662,351.26. Former Governor Oyetola’s payment as of 2022 was N17,255,424,708.51.

“The combined total for the two previous administrations over 12 years was N34,408,087,059.77,” he explained.

He contrasted this with his administration’s achievements.

“For our administration, in the last two years, plus what we are paying out today, the total payment is N22,671,217,893.24 for state pensions.

“For local government pensions, the total is N25 billion, making our payment over N47 billion in just two years. This is almost 70% of what the former APC administration paid in 12 years,” he said.

Meanwhile, Adeleke reiterated his commitment to resolving individual and systemic issues within the pension sector.

He assured retirees that his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare and uphold dignity in pension administration.

Plans are also underway to standardise pension operations, ensuring retirees are treated with timeliness and respect, he noted.