Ekiti State governor, Biodun Oyebanji on Thursday disbursed N2 billion to defray the backlog of gratuity arrears for state and local government retirees.
Oyebanji, represented by his deputy, Monisade Afuye, performed the symbolic presentation to local government retirees for 2014 and state retirees for 2017.
Governor Oyebanji commended the retirees for their dedication and contributions to the growth and development of the state assuring that his administration is committed to addressing their obligations.
The governor declared that his administration is regularly reducing the gratuity backlog and reaffirmed that he would continue to support the elderly through various impactful social interventions programs.
His words: “This is another opportunity to prove our commitment to both state and the local government retirees. We remain focused on regular payment of pensions and address outstanding gratuity obligations.
“On assumption of this government in October 2022, the governor paid seven months pension arrears from March to September 2018 for local government and primary school pensioners totalling the sum of N2.7 billion and three months arrears from July to September 2018, the sum of N1.1 billion for state pensioners. Therefore, this government paid the total sum of N3.8 billion pension arrears.
“Since the inception of this government, monthly pensions have been paid regularly without delay. The governor does not owe any arrears till present. The government has paid the sum of N31.7 billion to local government pensioners and N33.6 billion to state pensioners totalling N65.3 billion for monthly pensions.
“This government has been regularly reducing the gratuity backlog. A total sum of N7.3 billion has been paid to local government pensioners and a total sum of N11.7 billion to the stage pensioners. This means that the Oyebanji led administration had paid the sum of N19 billion as gratuities.
“Ahead of the N70,000 minimum wage implementation to workers, N10,000 monthly palliative was disbursed to each pensioner in the state and local government amounting to N647.9 million and N690 million respectively. From May 2024 to November 2024 totalling N1.3 billion to reduce economic pressures.
“Currently, each pensioner is being paid N20,000 consequential adjustment across boards which commenced from December 2024. Before the adjustment, there were pensioners who received N 1,000 monthly pension. Today, there is no pensioner in Ekiti State earning less than an N20,000 pension.
“Each pensioner in the state was paid a N20,000 Christmas bonus in December 2025. In 2024, this administration donated a Toyota Hummer 18-seater Bus to the pensioners union. This is in addition to the 18-seater Bus earlier donated by the state government to the union to enhance their mobility for union activities.
“This government has launched free healthcare services for more than 19,000 pensioners who previously worked in the state and local government public services.”
While appreciating them for their prayers, support and invaluable contributions to the growth of the state, Oyebanji noted that his administration will continue to support elderly citizens and other vulnerable groups beyond payment of pensions and gratuity.
Earlier, Head of Service, Olufolake Olomojobi stated that Governor Oyebanji has continuously recognised the crucial roles of the retirees as opinion moulders and stakeholders in the state.
In their respective speeches, the organised labour unions including State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Kolapo Olatunde, State Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Omotola Farotimi and Chairman, Ekiti State Joint Negotiating Council, Oluwafemi Ajoloko all showered encomiums on the governor for his compassionate leadership style and pledged their support for his re-election.
