Oyo govt begins N3bn gratuity payment to retired teachers, LG workers

The Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board (LGSPB) has commenced the payment of ₦3 billion in gratuities to more than 1,000 retired primary school teachers, local government workers and next of kin of deceased pensioners across the state.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held on Tuesday at the Local Government Staff Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Chairman of the Board, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, said the payment exercise would be carried out across the state’s geopolitical zones.

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

He said, “The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, has approved and released the sum of Three Billion Naira for the payment exercise. I congratulate all the beneficiaries of this gratuity payment.”

The Chairman urged residents to continue supporting the Makinde administration, saying, “A government that cares for its workers and pensioners deserves our collective support and prayers.”

He also advised the retirees to make prudent use of their benefits and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.

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

According to him, “In his characteristic manner of ensuring that adequate planning is put in place for sustainable payment of gratuity and other retirement benefits, the Governor has recently approved the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). Unlike other states, the Oyo State Government will contribute 12 per cent, while the enrollees will contribute eight per cent.”

He added, “All hands must therefore be on deck to ensure the successful implementation of the new pension scheme that will run alongside the 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 development of the state.

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 the welfare of pensioners and consistently putting smiles on the faces 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.