Beneficiaries include retired primary school teachers and local government workers as Makinde administration moves to clear pension backlog.
The Oyo State Government has commenced the payment of gratuities and death benefits to another batch of over 1,000 retirees, including retired primary school teachers and local government staff, as part of efforts to clear the backlog of unpaid retirement benefits inherited from previous administrations.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Local Government Staff Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, described the exercise as evidence of Governor Seyi Makinde’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and dignity of senior citizens in the Pace Setter State.
Hon. Ige disclosed that the disbursement was made possible by the governor’s approval and release of ₦3 billion to cover retirees across all geopolitical zones of the state.
He assured beneficiaries that with the administration’s consistent efforts to offset historical pension liabilities, no retiree would be left unpaid by the end of Governor Makinde’s tenure, thereby ensuring a seamless transition for future administrations.
Highlighting recent reforms in the state’s pension administration, Hon. Ige noted that Governor Makinde’s approval of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) marks a historic milestone. He explained that the existing Defined Benefits Scheme will run concurrently with the CPS during the transition period to protect the interests of both serving workers and retirees.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Staff Pension Board, Mr. Olufemi Akinwale, commended the governor’s compassionate approach to governance. He urged beneficiaries to manage their payments prudently and remain vigilant against fraudsters seeking to deprive them of their hard-earned benefits.
In his goodwill message, the Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, praised the administration’s worker-friendly policies and called on the electorate to support the party’s candidates in the forthcoming general elections.
The event featured the symbolic presentation of cheques to several beneficiaries, who expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for prioritising their welfare and pledged their continued support.