The Kwara state Government has paid one hundred and two pensioners part of their gratuities, with a promise to sustain the payment of the entitlement every month notwithstanding the state’s present financial constraints.
The pensioners selected from 2008 to date across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state were issued a cheque of N200, 000 each out of the total sum of N20 million released by the state government as part of their gratuities.
Presenting the cheque to the beneficiaries, the Chairman, Kwara state Local Government Pensions Board, who also doubles as Chairman, Local Government Civil Service Commission, Hajia Sarat Adebayo, said the release of the fund was a validation of the state government determination to ensure that retirees receive their entitlement while still alive and enjoy the fruit of their labour.
She also said the decision to pay the entitlement in part and a flat sum across board was reached after deliberation with representatives of the pensioners.
Some of the pensioners receiving their cheque from the Kwara State Chairman, Local Government Pensions Board, Hajia Sarat Adebayo at the Commission.
Appreciating the pensioners and their union for their understanding and patience, Hajia Adebayo said the stall in payment since 2013 was as a result of the drop in government allocation.
She however said despite the drop, the state Governor, Alhaji Abdufatah Ahmed has ordered full and consistent payment of pensioners’ monthly entitlement which she said has been regular since November last year.
While disclosing the government’s decision to sustain the payment in the interest of the retirees, Hajia Adebayo urged them to dispense the money wisely and avoid family rancor.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the pensioners, the Kwara State Chairman, Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Alhaji Saidu Oladimeji, said it was a thing of joy to be remembered since 2008 despite the financial downturn in the state.
He also thanked Governor Ahmed for the gesture and urged him to sustain the tempo.
Other pensioners who also benefited appreciated the state government and expressed hope that the payment will no longer be delayed anymore.
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