The Ekiti State Government, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, made waves on Saturday by distributing a staggering N3.5 billion in gratuity cheques to over 500 retired workers, marking this year’s Pensioners Day in grand style.
The jubilant ceremony, held at the Great Eagle Hall in Ado-Ekiti, saw pensioners from both state and local government levels receive their long-awaited entitlements. The governor personally handed over cheques worth N2.3 billion to state retirees, while local government pensioners received N1.2 billion in gratuity payments.
Governor Oyebanji, revered for his compassion towards senior citizens, made it clear that the payments were not a favor but a rightful entitlement for those who dedicated years of service to the state. “You are my parents, and only a bastard would not treat his parents well,” the governor emotionally stated, reflecting on his personal connection, as his late mother was also a pensioner.
In his speech, Governor Oyebanji reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of pensioners, emphasizing that his ultimate desire is for retirees to be alive and well to enjoy the fruits of their labor. He noted that, prior to Saturday’s event, his administration had already disbursed N5.4 billion in gratuity to 1,796 state pensioners and N2.179 billion to 891 local government pensioners.
As a sign of continued commitment, the governor assured that once this latest round of payments was completed, gratuity coverage would reach pensioners who retired as of March 2015, and efforts would be sustained to clear the remaining backlog. "Your prayers over me are being answered," he said, calling for continuous support from the retirees.
In a further show of dedication to the well-being of workers, Governor Oyebanji announced plans to implement the new N70,000 minimum wage across Ekiti State, describing it as a law that must be obeyed. While acknowledging minor delays in rolling out the new wage structure, he promised that all state workers, local government employees, and pensioners would soon benefit from the increment.
The governor also urged pensioners to enroll in the State Health Insurance Scheme, which would grant them access to free healthcare services. He revealed that only 9,028 out of the 28,000 pensioners in the state had registered, calling on those yet to enroll to do so immediately.
The ceremony was filled with praise and gratitude from the pensioners, led by the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Akinola, who commended the governor’s dedication. Akinola showered accolades on Governor Oyebanji for his numerous gestures, including the timely payment of pensions before the 25th of every month, clearing pension arrears, approving a monthly N10,000 special wage award, and providing food palliatives.
The NUP National President, Godwin Abumhese, echoed these sentiments, hailing Oyebanji as a trailblazer in pensioners’ welfare across the South-West. The NUP national leadership, he revealed, plans to pay an appreciative visit to the governor, commending him for fulfilling his promises to pensioners.
