Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has revealed that his administration has disbursed over N47 billion in gratuity payments to retirees since taking office in November 2022. This feat surpasses the combined records of his two immediate successors, Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola, who paid N34.4bn over 12 years.
Speaking at an event in Osogbo where bond certificates worth N1.9bn were presented to contributory pensioners from state and local government services, Adeleke emphasized his administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing pensioners. “We are committed to ensuring that pensioners are treated with the dignity and timeliness they deserve,” he said.
Adeleke reflected on the gratuity payments by previous administrations, stating, “Former Governor Aregbesola’s payment as of 2018 totalled N17.15bn, while former Governor Oyetola’s payment as of 2022 amounted to N17.25bn. Together, the two administrations paid N34.4bn over 12 years.”
He further noted, “In just two years, my administration has paid N22.67bn for state pensions and N25bn for local government pensions, bringing the total to over N47bn. This means we have paid almost 70 per cent of what the previous APC administrations paid in 12 years, within just two years.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to pension reforms, vowing to address personal grievances and improve the pension administration system. The presentation of bond certificates was part of the state government’s broader efforts to standardize pension administration and provide retirees with financial security.
Adeleke’s administration has been working tirelessly to address the challenges facing pensioners in the state. The governor’s commitment to pension reforms is a testament to his administration’s dedication to the welfare of retirees.
The event in Osogbo was a significant milestone in the state government’s efforts to provide financial security to retirees. The presentation of bond certificates worth N1.9bn to contributory pensioners from state and local government services was a welcome development.
Adeleke’s achievement in pension payments is a notable feat, considering the challenges faced by previous administrations. His administration’s commitment to pension reforms is a step in the right direction.
The governor’s emphasis on treating pensioners with dignity and timeliness is a laudable goal. His administration’s efforts to standardize pension administration and provide retirees with financial security are viewed by many as a step in the right direction.
