Osun Gov. Adeleke presents #4.9b bond certificates to retirees.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has presented a total bond certificates of four billion, nine million, three hundred and fifty-eight thousand, four hundred and twenty six naira (#4,009,358,426.00) to both the State and the local government retirees, under the contributory pension scheme.
While presenting the certificates at the Local Government Service Commission Hall, State Secretariat, Abere, Governor Adeleke recalled that his administration had paid one billion, eight hundred million naira (#1,800,000,000.00) as gratuity to civil servants, tertiary institutions, parastatals and Secondary Schools at the State level, since 2022 till date.
He stressed further that within the same period, he has paid local government and Primary School pensioners a total of two billion, five hundred and fifteen million, eight thousand and fifty -six naira (#2,519,080,056.62)
The Governor berated the administration of his two predecessors recalling that for twelve years, they paid eleven billion, one hundred and fifty -five million, six hundred and fifty-one thousand, seven hundred and eight hundred naira (#11,155,651,780.56) for gratuity at the State level, while at the local level, a total of six billion, four hundred and eighty -eight million, eight hundred and seventy -six thousand, three hundred and twenty -four naira, fifty -eight Kobo (#6,488.876,324.58).
He spoke further, " Today, we are presenting a total of one billion, five hundred and eighty-eigth million, four hundred and five million and four naira (#1,588,405,004.85) to 247 retirees at the state level while for local level, a total of two billion, four hundred and twenty million, nine hundred and fifty -three thousand four hundred and twenty six naira (#2,420,953,426.71).
" I am presenting a total of four billion, nine million, three hundred and fifty -eight thousand, four hundred and thirty -one naira (#4,009,358,431.00) for both local and the State level. My administration has released the total amount of bonds from December 2022 to date across State and local Governments a sum of twelve billion, seven hundred and nineteen million, two hundred and forty five thousand , five hundred and twenty eight naira (#12,719,245,528.00).
" My dear senior citizens, we achieve the above by thinking out of the box and by personal sacrifices. The method adopted was to approve the recommendation from the Head of Service to improve on the monthly release of gratuity and bonds so as to accommodate as many retirees as the government can on monthly basis.
" As we speak, regular payment of gratuity and pensions remains unabated. Permit me on this note to commend the Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina and his team for their effective and efficient management of public service, the way they handle salaries, pensions, gratuities of workers and pensioners," the Governor explained.
He therefore reaffirmed his administration's commitment to workers welfare as it top the priority of his agenda and will continue to devote his time to pay off the pensions and half salaries to the entire workforce, emphasizing that government is determined to deliver on good governance to the people of the State, promising that they will all reap the dividends of democracy.
In their separate goodwill messages, representatives of Forum of Contributory Pensioners, Alhaji Oluwatoyin Ayinde, Mr Gbenga Oyadare thanked the Governor for solving their long suffering, acknowledging that Senator Adeleke has restored back lives into them.
While adjudging the amount presented as the highest in the history of the State,
the duo promised retirees support for the Governor to rule the State beyond 2026.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the State Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina appreciated the Governor for delivering his electoral promises to the people of the State, most especially the workers and retirees. He noted that the gesture is one of the action plans of the governor to prioritize workers welfare.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, a retired Permanent secretary Engr. Shola Ajao eulogized the Governor for his giant stride in providing infrastructural development in Osun, praying God to grant him success in his administration.
Highlight of the event the symbolic presentation of bond certificates to the retirees, Cultural display by the Osun State Cultural Troupe.
On the entourage of the Governor were; Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Adewale Egbedun, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, PDP State Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi among notable dignitaries.
