Oyebanji Pays N500 Million Gratuity To Ekiti Pensioners

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has presented N500 million gratuity to pensioners in the state to clear the backlog of gratuities so as to guarantee their welfare in their old age.

Oyebanji made the presentation on Thursday while receiving the beneficiaries numbering about 140 at Jibowu Hall, Ado-Ekiti.

The governor said his administration was aware of the hardship caused by the subsidy removal on the senior citizens who had served the state meritoriously for the better part of their lives while assuring that he would always look for avenues to cushion the effect of the economic situation.

Read also: Appeal Court Sacks Kano Governor

While disclosing that efforts were in top gear to work our modalities on clearing the backlog of all gratuity arrears, Oyebanji said his administration would also consider the demand for monthly payment of gratuity to Pensioners.

He said,  “On all outstanding issues, we are working so hard to ensure that we crack those nuts; I’m aware of all the arrears of pensions and check-off dues and many things that are still due to our people.

“We intend to come to a point where we reach an appreciable number of pensioners, and you know that a committee has been put in place, and very soon, discussion will be concluded on it. We are trying to get the best deal for our people. What will gladden my heart is to sit down and see that we are doing N20 billion, and if feasible, it will get to a larger number.

“Also, on what the labour leaders refer to as wage award, I will not rush and promise you something that I will start and won’t be able to sustain. If I want applause, I can award it too, and when it is no longer sustainable, we start dragging it.