The Governor of Nigeria’s Southwest state of Osun, Aregboyega Oyetola has approved the release of Seven Hundred and Eight Million Naira (N 708,000,000) to offset pension arrears of retired officers of the civil service.
The sum of Five Hundred and Eighty Million Naira, 580,000,000 of the total sum was for the pensions of retired civil servants while an additional sum of One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira, 150,000,000 was approved to pay retirees under the contributory pensions scheme based on merit.
Accordingly, a press release signed by the Head of Service, Mr Festus Oyebade syated that additional Fifty Million Naira was approved for the part payment of the gratuities of retired officers under the old pensions scheme.
It explained that the list of beneficiaries selected on merit has been pasted on the notice boards of the Ministry of Information and Civic Orientation, the State’s Pension Bureau, and the Office of the Head of Service.
The payment of the approved funds will commence Thursday, 5th November, 2020.
Oyetola assured all serving and retired workers that all efforts would be mustered to always give their welfare the pride of place it deserves.
Osun workers applaud governor
Meanwhile, following the approval of new welfare packages for all categories of workers in Osun State, the civil servants have passed a vote of confidence in Governor Oyetola, describing him as a promise keeper.
The workers who went into jubilation over the new welfare packages also hailed the administration of Oyetola for prioritising their welfare since assumption of office in 2018.
The Governor had on Friday announced the approval and immediate implementation of the new national minimum wage for all categories of workers in the State.
He also lifted embargo on the Annual Salary Increment, Promotions and Conversions which had been put on hold since 2012. The implementation of these welfare packages commenced on 1st of November this year.
Workers jubilate
The state workers had converged on the main entrance of the Secretariat in Osogbo, the state capital to welcome the Governor and his entourage in a show of appreciation, support and solidarity for the administration.
The jubilant workers who walked with the Governor from the entrance gate to the Governor’s office were seen with barners bearing varying solidarity inscriptions to express their appreciation to the government
Speaking on behalf of the workers, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Jacob Adekomi, applauded the government for coming to their aid at the most critical period of their needs.
He described the approval and the implementation of the workers’ demands within the two years of the present administration as unimaginable, surprising and remarkable.
Adekomi said the new development would go a long way to re-energise the workers’ strength, stimulate their level of productivity and by extension register a significant improvement on the economy of the state.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. Actually, we are here this morning to appreciate Mr. Governor for what he has done and still doing for the generality of the workers in the State,” Adekomi said.
Governor Oyetola expressed delight with the warmth reception given to him by the rank and file of the workforce.
He appreciated the workers for their continued show of love, solidarity, high sense of diligence to duty and commitment to the advancement of the state.
Oyetola who described Osun workers as the most diligent and cooperative, promised to do more as long as the revenue of our State improves.
(C) Control TV 2020.
