Adeleke presents 4.9B bond certificate to pensioners in Osun
By John Dike
The Osun State Governor, 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 had paid local government and Primary School pensioners a total of two billion, five hundred and fifteen million, eight thousand and fifty -six naira (N2,519,080,056.62)
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 (N6,488.876,324.58) was paid.
He spoke further, ” Today, we are presenting a total of one billion, five hundred and eighty-eight 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 (N2,420,953,426.71)
According to him, his 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 (N12,719,245,528.00).
” 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 concluded.
He therefore reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers welfare, pledging to continue to devote his time to pay off the pensions and half salaries to the entire workforce.
Also speaking the representatives of Forum of Contributory Pensioners, Alhaji Oluwatoyin Ayinde, Mr Gbenga Oyadare thanked the Governor for terminating their long suffering.
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 on his electoral promises, most especially the welfare of workers and retirees.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, a retired Permanent secretary Engr. Shola Ajao eulogized the Governor for his giant stride in providing infrastructural facilities, praying God to grant him success in his administration.
