The Osun State Government has approved N1,108,000,000 for settlement of pension arrears.
The Head of Service, Dr. Festus Olowogboyega Oyebade, stated this Monday during the inter-religious prayers organised by the government to start 2021 work year.
Oyebade said: “People wonder why we are always elated when the name of Governor Adegboyega 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.
“In spite 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.
“The N580 million was approved to pay the pensions of retired civil servants; N150 million was approved to pay retirees under the contributory pensions scheme; an additional N50 million was approved for the part-payment of the gratuities of retired officers under the old pensions scheme.
“Aside this N708,000,000 breakdown, the Governor approved another N200,000,000 for those who have not had their contributory pensions.”
According to Oyebade, “Just when the beneficiaries said they wanted to come and appreciate the Governor for making their welfare priority, he approved another N200 million this morning to further offset pension arrears.
“This is a laudable feat because the pensioners have not had it this good since 2016.”
