Makinde Begins ₦3 Billion Gratuity Payment to Oyo Retirees

(Seyi Makinde. Photo by Tribune Online)

The Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board (LGSPB) has started paying gratuities of ₦3 billion to over 1,000 retired primary school teachers, local government employees, and the surviving relatives of deceased pensioners around the state.

The payment exercise will be conducted throughout the geographical zones of the state, according to Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, Chairman of the Board, who spoke at the flag-off ceremony on Tuesday at the Local Government Staff Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Ige disclosed that Governor Seyi Makinde had approved and released ₦3 billion for the gratuity payment exercise, describing the gesture as yet another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to the welfare of retired workers.

He announced that the governor had approved and released the sum for the payment exercise and congratulated all beneficiaries of the gratuity payout.

The chairman urged residents to continue supporting the Makinde administration, stressing that a government that cares for its workers and pensioners deserves the people’s collective support and prayers. He also advised retirees to make prudent use of their benefits and to be wary of fraudsters.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Staff Pension Board, Tpl. Olufemi Akinwale, said the governor had remained committed to pensioners’ welfare since assuming office.

He explained that as part of efforts to ensure adequate planning for the sustainable payment of gratuities and other retirement benefits, the governor had recently approved the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), under which the Oyo State Government would contribute 12 per cent while enrollees contribute eight per cent, a structure he noted differs from what obtains in other states.

He called for collective effort to ensure the successful implementation of the new scheme, which will run alongside the existing Defined Benefits Scheme.

In his goodwill message, the Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanjo Adewoyin, congratulated the beneficiaries and commended Governor Makinde for sustaining the payment of gratuities and other retirement benefits.

He also praised the appointment of Hon. Ige as Chairman of the Board, describing him as experienced, committed and dedicated to the state’s development.

The event featured the symbolic presentation of cheques to selected beneficiaries. Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Adisa Gafar and Mrs. Bejide thanked Governor Makinde for prioritising pensioners’ welfare and consistently improving the lives of retired workers and senior citizens.

Dignitaries at the event included the Permanent Secretary, Ibadan Zone I, Barr. Jubril Alaga; Acting Head of Local Government Administration, Alhaji Musibau Ladele; Chairman of the Retired Primary School Teachers Wing, Comrade Dosu Akinpelu; Chairman of the Retired Local Government Staff Association, Alhaji Muniru Adesope; Secretary of the Retired Primary School Teachers Wing, Comrade Tunji Ogunwale; and heads of departments of the Local Government Staff Pension Board.