Oyo State Government on Monday disbursed N250 million to over 100 retirees to clear outstanding gratuities owed them by the previous administrations in the state.The presentation of cheques to the retirees was made by the State Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Alhaji Siju Lawal, at the ministry’s boardroom, state secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. In his remarks, Lawal said that the beneficiaries were those who retired between December 2013 to January 2014.He maintained that the administration of Gov. Seyi Makinde, would continue to prioritise payment of outstanding gratuities.
He explained that the Makinde-led administration met a huge debt of about N55.9 billion when it came to power. He said government had remained responsive “to clearing the backlog, which has resulted in over N15 billion being paid so far. “This government inherited N55.9 billion and I know there is no government that will hear of this and would not be scared. “But Makinde wasn’t bothered.
He has paid N15.1 billion, this is to tell you that he (Makinde) loves workers and pensioners, he doesn’t joke with them” The commissioner urged the beneficiaries not to invest in Ponzi or any other dubious investment schemes but to use the money judiciously. He also implored them to always support government’s policies. The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo State, Mr Segun Abatan, commended Gov. Makinde for his commitment to pensioners’ welfare. Abatan further hinted that the union would soon organize a ‘Thank You’ rally to appreciate what the governor had been doing for its members. (NAN)
