The Oyo State government has disclosed on Thursday evening that over #18billion has been paid in gratuities and pensions from 2019 till date.
This is in affirmation of its commitment to the welfare of pensioners and workers in the State as well as to boost their saving power to improve the economy of the State.
The State Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Alhaji ‘Siju Lawal disclosed this while featuring on a live television interview programme of the state broadcasting station (BCOS) in Ibadan.
He commended Governor Seyi Makinde as one of the most committed to the prompt payment of pensions and gratuities of retirees, and state workers generally in the country at large.
He explained further that the Governor has been able to fulfill his campaign promise of making life comfortable for the workers and retirees.
“When our administration came on board, there were lots of problems, part of which is the accumulated unpaid debt of #55.9Billion of gratuities and pensions inherited from the last administration between year 2011 and 2019.
“We have paid over #18Billion from the debt across the state and the payment is continuous adding that Ministry of Establishments and Training has been able to pay #7.1Billion to 2,400 beneficiaries, he stressed.
Alhaji ‘Siju noted that the State government has been able to do these and many more due to the increase in Internally generated revenues and blockage of other financial loopholes that had been affecting the rate of generating revenue.
Speaking on the issue of contributing pension scheme in which the States were mandated to contribute 10 percent of monthly emoluments while the employee contributes 8 percent, he said that Oyo State government is looking into the scheme in order to know the prospects, benefits, transparency and continuity in the future.
On training of civil and public servants, Alhaji Lawal said the state government trains and re trains in conformity with cadres in the service, while the retirees were always trained on financial management, health and medical routine check up.
He also spoke on conversion of officers to different cadres whereby he said over 1,000 conversion requests sent to the Ministry of Establishments and Training and the Ministry are undergoing documentations.
He advised civil and public servants to reciprocate the good deeds of Governor Seyi Makinde through commitment, dedication and punctuality at their places of work.
