Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has assured civil servants in the state on the compliance to the new minimum wage as soon as it’s approved by law.
The governor spoke in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday when he presented 1 billion naira gratuity cheques to pensioners in the state.
Oyebanji also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for the assistance in the runnings of the state.
The governor said: “What we are doing in Ekiti today is through God and also adequate assistance from President Bola Tinubu. I appreciate him greatly.
“On new minimum wage,all would be well once it becomes a law, we shall sit down and talk, let us wait at the appropriate time. I’m not going to disappoint you. We shall also resolve the check off dues.
“On Local government areas, we supposed to pay one month arrears next week. We have allocated the fund to it, but for the judgement of the supreme court on the Local government autonomy, it has affected some things we should be doing now, there will be a way out.
“Once we have clarity on what the law says, things would be sorted out.”
The governor advised the Pensioner beneficiaries to harness the payment and take care of themselves without involving in any shady things.
“We are gathered here again, to oblige our fathers and mothers their dues following their retirement and to appreciate their service to humanity and to the growth of our dear State. You all served the State diligently, so, you deserved to earn your terminal benefits as and when due. Let me apologize to you, on behalf of the State, for the delay that you have endured before today.
“As elder statesman, your welfare is always a priority to this administration; that is why your monthly pension has been on the first line charge. I am proud to say we have paid in total, the sum of N12, 569, 562, 242:00 as pensions since we assumed office.
“Similarly, this administration has paid a cumulative sum of Two Billion, Three Hundred Million Naira (N2.3B) as gratuity to our retired senior citizens. That is apart from the gratuity already paid to local government retirees.
“Today and in this batch, we are paying out a total sum a One Billion Naira (N1, 000, 000, 000) only to this batch, while continuing with the monthly gratuity payment of Twenty Million Naira (N20,000,000.00) to both State and Local Government pensioners.
“I am assuring those on the waiting list to keep hope alive as government is doing everything possible to see that more people are paid very soon. Our ultimate objective is to completely liquidate all gratuity arrears in a short distant time.
“In addition to this, we have ensured that retirees are not left behind in the payment of wage award to Ekiti government workers. Similarly, I am glad to mention that we have cleared all arrears of pension owed State pensioners totaling N1,140,943,594.38 earlier in the year, while about N150,000,000.00 outstanding deductions has been paid.
“We are not unmindful of the many challenges you endure as a result of the delay in the payment of your gratuity, Let me assure you that we are working to ensure this becomes a thing of the past.
“As we believe the challenge of the backlog of unpaid gratuities are not unsurmountable, and that one day, we will achieve the goal of “pay as you go”. I am glad that we are not where we used to be in this regard.
“I enjoin you to let us keep the hope alive. I wish to also implore you to join hands with government to actualize the programs put in place to tackle the issue of outstanding gratuities.
“I want to also appeal to public servants still in service to subscribe to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) as introduced, which will help in ending the challenges associated with Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. The burden of gratuity payment is quite enormous but the CPS guarantees a more seamless and quick payment pattern.
“As the nation grapples with the current economic challenges, with dire consequences particularly for retirees who are anxiously awaiting long overdue benefits, be assured that our administration is leaving no stone unturned to put smile on your faces, such that no achievements would be worth it when your interests are not factored in.
“It is true that there are numerous demands staring us in the face as government, but in the midst of all of these, the labour of our heroes past will always be recognised and rewarded timeously.
“This government will continue to support the elderly and other vulnerable groups, with the various social safety nets aimed at bringing succor their way. Just recently, government introduced the Free Health Care programme for retirees through Ekiti State Ministry of Health & Human Services in conjunction with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and I am glad to know that you are already being enrolled into the initiative.”
Earlier, the Head of service,Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi stated that the 1bn Gratuity cheque is the highest that has been paid in the state,urged the retirees on judicious spending.
Olomojobi said:”This is the highest that has been paid in the history of the state. The tranche will go to 450 retirees, the beneficiaries are encouraged to make judicious use of the money”.
