Oyo Govt Begins Monthly Gratuity, Death Benefits Payment To Retired LG, Primary School Staff
Culled By Omowumi Akinwale
The Oyo State Government has flagged off the monthly payment of gratuities and death benefits to retired primary school teachers and local government staff.
The exercise, which took place at the Local Government Staff Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, was described as another demonstration of Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of senior citizens in the state.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman, Local Government Staff Pension Board, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, said the governor’s consistency in prioritising pensioners’ welfare was “profound and incomparable to the neglect experienced under previous administrations.”
Ige urged beneficiaries to spend their entitlements wisely and to be vigilant against fraudsters.
“I would like to advise all beneficiaries of this payment to be circumspect in how they spend their money and be wary of fraudsters. Do not venture into any business you are not familiar with,” he said.
He also admonished pensioners to pay close attention to their health.
“If you are on medication, adhere strictly to your doctor’s prescription, eat nutritious meals and embrace a healthy lifestyle,” Ige added.
The Pension Board chairman further disclosed that the board had strengthened its service delivery and operational processes to align with the Sustainable Development Agenda of the Makinde-led administration.
“I consider it expedient to inform you that the Local Government Staff Pension Board has improved its service delivery capacity and processes, which has translated into more positive impact on the lives of our esteemed senior citizens,” he said.
He appealed to pensioners across the state to continue supporting the present administration.
“I therefore appeal to all pensioners in the Pacesetter State to continue to support and cooperate with the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration until May 2027 in order to enjoy more welfare packages,” Ige stated.
The high point of the event was the symbolic presentation of cheques to selected pensioners, marking the official commencement of the monthly gratuity and death benefits payment exercise across the state.
Also speaking, the Director of Administration and General Services, Pensions Board, Alhaji Musibau Olatunbosun, urged pensioners to take proper care of their health, while expressing gratitude to the state government and the board chairman for adopting a zonal approach to the exercise.
“The decision to carry out the payment zone by zone has helped to avoid unnecessary crowding and delays,” Olatunbosun noted.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ibadan Zone, Mr Adeola Oduola, cautioned pensioners against investing in unfamiliar businesses, warning that such ventures could lead to losses.
Similarly, Alhaja Adefunke Hamzat advised pensioners to exercise prudence in the management of their funds and prioritise their wellbeing as they enjoy the benefits of their years of service.
Tribune
