The Ekiti State Government has disbursed N2 billion in gratuity cheques to retired workers, covering 2017 for state pensioners and 2014 for their local government counterparts, as part of efforts to clear outstanding arrears and improve welfare for retirees in the state.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji said the payment reflects his administration’s commitment to addressing long-standing pension backlogs and ensuring that retirees, whom he described as elder statesmen, receive their entitlements after years of service to the state.
The cheque presentation was held on Thursday in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, with the governor represented at the event by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye.
Oyebanji noted that since 2022, the administration has spent N19 billion on gratuity payments, in addition to N65.3 billion used to offset pension arrears.
He also disclosed that N3.8 billion had earlier been used to settle pension arrears covering July to September 2018, while N2.16 billion was expended under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
According to him, the implementation of a consequential adjustment following the new N70,000 minimum wage now ensures that the minimum monthly pension in Ekiti State stands at N20,000.
The governor reiterated that his administration remains committed to sustaining timely pension payments while strengthening the welfare of senior citizens across the state.
He also urged residents and workers to support his second-term bid on June 20, saying continuity would ensure the sustenance of ongoing welfare programmes for pensioners.
The event was attended by top government officials, including the Chief of Staff, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo;