OSUN: Oyetola releases N1bn to settle pension arrears

GOVERNOR Adegboyega Oyetola has approved the release of the sum of N 1,108 ,000,000 for the settlement on pension arrears.

Head of Service, Dr. Festus Olowogboyega Oyebade, disclosed this on Monday, while giving his remarks during the inter-religious prayers organised by the government to start the 2021 work year.

“People wonder why we are always elated when the name of Governor Oyetola is mentioned. It is because he has shown himself as a man who cares about the welfare of workers and the people he governs,” stated Oyebade.

He continued, “Inspite of the challenging times in the year 2020, he did not undermine the welfare of workers and citizens. We will recall that he approved the implementation of annual increment, minimum wage, promotion and conversion for workers in the State without agitation.

“Barely 17 hours to Christmas, the Governor told me that he was bothered about how the celebrations  would be for pensioners, and not long after, he summoned the Commissioner for Finance and the Accountant-General, and asked for a quick intervention.”

Oyebade disclosed that the sum of N508m of the total sum was approved to pay the pensions of retired civil servants; while N150m was approved to pay retirees under the contributory pensions scheme; also an additional N50m was approved for the part-payment of the gratuities of retired officers under the old pensions scheme.

The governor also approved another N 200m for those who have not had their contributory pensions.

Oyebade said further, “Just when the beneficiaries said they wanted to come and appreciate the governor for making their welfare priority, he approved another Two Hundred Million Naira this morning to further offset pension arrears.

“This is a laudable feat because the pensioners have not had it this good since 2016”, Oyebade stated.

In attendance at the prayer session, which had reduced numbr due to observance of the Covid-19 guidelines, were representatives of the three arms of government, cabinet members, senior civil servants and clerics.