Osun Distributes N1.999bn to Contributory Pensioners

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Osun State government yesterday  distributed a bond cheques totalling a sum of N1.999 billion to contributory pensioners in the state.

Governor Ademola Adeleke who distributed the cheque noted that  it was  a combination for both state and local governments contributory pensioners and  part of government’s determination to settle pension indebtedness.

The governor remarked that “as we mark our second year anniversary, I restate our resolute policy of standing attention to pension matters. Our leadership will continue to resolve individual and personal issues plaguing the sector. In specific terms, we are working to standardise pension administration to ensure pensioners are treated with all required dignity and timeliness.”

He said: “From the beginning of our administration, we have left no one in doubt as to our passion to address challenges facing pensioners and the pension sector. We had declared then that senior citizens deserve due attention from state leadership as a matter of duty. From November 27th, 2022 to date, we have kept faith with our pledge. “

 Governor Adeleke also informed  senior citizens and the general public about what each administration from former Governor Rauf Aregbesola to date has paid in the pension sector.

According to him “former Governor Aregbesola’s payment as at 2018 was a total sum of N17.153 billion.”

“Former Governor Oyetola’s payment as at 2022 was a total sum of N17.255 billion.”

“The total for the two previous administrations under a 12 year period was N34.408 billion.”

“For our administration in the last two years plus what we are paying out today,  the total payment is the sum of N22.671 billion. While for local government pension stand at N25 billion. Making out payment in two years to over N47 billion.”

He, however, reaffirmed that his administration  had paid almost 70 per cent under two years of what the former APC administration paid under 12 years. 

He stressed that his administration added a life changing policy, the enrolment of pensioners in the health insurance scheme. This,  he said, has eased access to  health care for our senior citizens.

“Our love, care and support for pensioners is therefore not a political gimmick. It is about doing the right thing,” he said.

He pointed out that “As much as we still have a lot of ground to cover, we have started on a strong note. We have proved to our elderly people that we are with them, that we seriously care about their well being.”

“Other outstanding issues in the pension sector are to be looked into. The Head of Service is mandated to compile a list of other unresolved issues facing pensioners, especially areas they still want our government to focus on. This will further ensure adequate state response to areas of needs.”

The governor made it cleared that “The dwindling value of Naira has negatively affected the actual value of the state fund including the less than 20 per cent increment in federal allocation. The consequence is that what we earn today as a state is less in value compared to what obtained under the previous administration.”

“Despite the situation,  our administration has delivered across the sectors. Leadership of the pension union is invited to the town hall meeting holding by Wednesday for detailed accountability and scorecard.”

To state workers,  the governor re-assured the pensioners of the  unshaken commitment to their welfare which is number one item on  five point agenda of the government which he described as government of workers, labour, pensioners and the masses.