…as gov presents another N963m bond certificates to retirees
Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Tuesday disclosed that his administration has released and paid about N31billion as pensions to all categories of pensioners in the State since 2018.
He said his administration had equally kept faith with his promises to ensure prompt and adequate payment of salaries and pensions to all categories of workers, both active and passive.
This is even as the Governor presented a total sum of Nine hundred and sixty-three million, two hundred and forty-six thousand, five hundred and thirty naira, fifty-three kobo (N963,246,530.53) to pensioners in the State.
Governor Oyetola spoke while addressing the retirees at the presentation of bond certificates to retired public servants, at the Multi-purpose Hall, Local Government Service Commission Abeere, Osogbo.
“So far, we have released about 31 Billion Naira since 2018 when we came in, to cater to our pensioners. This represents about N26 billion for those on the old Pension Scheme and about Five Billion for those under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
“Our Administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers, both serving and retired, remains unwavering. This, we have continued to do through regular and prompt payment of full salaries and allowances to all categories of active workers as well as full pension to all our pensioners at all levels.
“To cater for our pensioners under the old pension scheme, we have been consistent since November 2018, in ensuring the release of Five Hundred and Nine Million (N509,000,000.00) on a monthly basis.
“Despite the lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, which sorely affected our economy, our government ensured prompt full payment of salaries and pension without fail all through.
“At a time when it seemed impossible and when most States were thinking of downsizing their workforce, we implemented the new minimum wage and lifted the ban on promotion and conversion to the surprise of all and sundry,” Oyetola added.
Presenting the bond certificates to the beneficiaries, Oyetola said the decision was in continuation of his administration’s irrevocable commitment to the welfare of retirees, especially those who retired on the Contribution Pension Scheme.
“Of this number, sixty-nine (69) retired State Civil Servants and those that retired from Higher Institutions in the State will receive bond certificates to the tune of five hundred and nine million naira (N509, 000,000.00).
“Forty-seven (47) retired Primary School Teachers will receive bond certificates worth four hundred and four million, seven hundred and thirty-five thousand, ninety-nine naira, fifty-three kobo (N404,735,099.53) while twenty-seven (27) retired Local Government Staff will receive one hundred and forty-nine million, two hundred and forty-six thousand, five hundred and thirty naira (N149, 246,530.00),” he said.
While commending the workers for their continued support and loyalty to his government, Oyetola pledged his commitment to continue to champion their welfare and well-being.
In his remarks, the Head of Service, Dr. Festus Oyebade Olowogboyega, applauded the Administration of Governor Oyetola for prioritising the welfare and well-being of the citizens, particularly both active and passive workers in the State.
Also, the State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Jacob Adekomi, expressed gratitude to the Governor for taking the welfare and well-being of the civil servants as a priority.