Olubunmi Osoteku, Ibadan
At least 92 pensioners in Oyo State, Southwest received cheques worth N208million N208 million from the state government on Monday.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, quotes the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Adeniyi Adebisi, as saying that the gesture was in fulfilment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s promise to the executive members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State branch.
Adebisi disclosed during an interactive session with the executive members of the Oyo State branch of the NUP and the symbolic presentation of cheques to some retirees, who he said comprise state, local government and primary school retirees, noting that about 92 retirees had been shortlisted for the payment and release of cheques had commenced.
The Commissioner explained that there was a need for synergy and cooperation between the NUP and the Ministry of Establishments and Training, to make life better for pensioners, while the Ministry is working on the review of pensions as directed by the governor.
He stated further that, the state government believed in dialogue as against industrial action to avoid sending bad signals to the general public.
Adebisi said: “Dialogue can resolve more than 50 per cent of any problem no matter how big.”
He noted that the state government was committed to the well-being and welfare of civil servants, as well as retirees.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Oyo State Secretary of the NUP, Comrade Olusegun Abatan, stated that the loyalty of the union to the state government was demonstrated in the last gubernatorial election, when pensioners trooped out en-masse to vote for Governor Makinde, as a sign of appreciation.
Abatan expressed delight that the governor had fulfilled his promise to resume payment of gratuity, saying he believed that the 13-point agenda presented by the union would be executed one after the other, especially since the pension review was being looked into.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed their appreciation to Governor Makinde for paying their gratuities at the time of economic hardship and recession, praying that God would grant him more wisdom to move the state forward.
