Kazeem Yahaya
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has reaffirmed his commitment to paying the N70,000 minimum wage to state workers once the ongoing adjustments to the new salary structure are concluded.
He made this promise during the 2024 Pensioners’ Day celebration in Ado Ekiti, where he also presented cheques totalling N3.5 billion to state and local government retirees
The governor emphasized that the new salary structure, which is legally binding for all states, would be implemented across all categories of workers in Ekiti, urging labour unions in the state to remain patient as the government finalizes the necessary adjustments.
Oyebanji further disclosed that the state had already paid over N7 billion to pensioners, with a consistent monthly release of N100 million each to both state and local government retirees, adding that of the latest N3.5 billion, N2.3 billion was allocated to state pensioners, while N1.2 billion went to local government retirees.
Acknowledging the retirees’ meritorious service to Ekiti State, Oyebanji also announced that the payment of one, out of four months of outstanding gratuity owed to local government retirees had been approved, with the remaining three months to be cleared soon.
He also encouraged the senior citizens to register for the state’s health insurance scheme, noting that only a few had enrolled so far.
The state Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, commended the retirees for their continued support of the administration, assuring them that their welfare would remain a priority for the government.
In his goodwill message, a representative from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Mr Adeniyi Adetunase, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting pensioners, highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s various programmes which were aimed at improving the lives of retirees.
Ekiti State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Kolapo Olatunde, and the Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Mr. Femi Ajoloko, praised Governor Oyebanji for his dedication to the welfare of pensioners, pledging continued support from the state’s workforce.
The National President of Pensioners, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, represented by the Southwest National Vice President of the union, Elder Ayo Kumapayi, commended Oyebanji for his exemplary leadership and for keeping his promises to pensioners. He noted that pensioners in Ekiti had never had it this good since Oyebanji assumed office.
Ekiti State Pensioners Chairman, Elder Joel Akinola, on his part, expressed gratitude to the governor for prioritizing retirees’ welfare, particularly through the regular and prompt payment of monthly pensions, settlement of arrears and deductions, and the provision of health programmes and food palliatives.
He, however, appealed for the full payment of retirees’ remaining entitlements and an operational bus for the association, urging that pensioners be included in the new minimum wage adjustments.
Elder Akinola also acknowledged Oyebanji’s fulfilment of his campaign promise by appointing Comrade Pius Oduola Owolabi as Special Adviser on Pension Matters, the first of such appointment in Ekiti and across the country, which he described as non-partisan and based on trust and credibility.
The Ekiti NUP chairman acknowledged Oyebanji’s strong performance and revealed that the pensioners’ bi-monthly prayers were initiated to invoke spiritual guidance for the governor’s success and to pray for the nation’s stability.
