Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has released an additional N2 billion to offset gratuity arrears owed to 800 retirees, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens who devoted their lives to public service.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, made the presentation in Ado Ekiti, expressing heartfelt joy in fulfilling a promise he made to ensure that retirees enjoy the rewards of their service without enduring years of anxiety. He noted that since assuming office, his government has disbursed a total of N14.6 billion as gratuities and an additional N25 billion as pension payments within three years.
Oyebanji recalled that in 2024, his administration paid N1.3 billion in gratuity arrears and vowed to increase the allocation this year a promise now reflected in the N2 billion payment. As of September 2025, a total of 10,106 retirees are on the state’s pension payroll, all of whom receive their pensions promptly. To further cushion the impact of inflation, the governor approved a N20 million monthly increment across all categories of pensioners.
He explained that through disciplined financial management and a consistent release of N100 million monthly for gratuity payments, the backlog has been steadily reduced. According to him, since October 2022, the government has paid N25.9 billion as pensions, N1.14 billion in pension arrears, and N9.6 billion in gratuities, covering retirees from 2013 to 2016. Under the Contributory Pension Scheme, 159 retirees have also received N183.8 million between 2022 and 2025.
Describing the moment as one of his happiest since taking office, Oyebanji said, “Nothing gives me more satisfaction as a leader than being able to wipe tears from the faces of those who once served our state with dedication. I know the pain of waiting endlessly for what one has worked hard for, and that is why we remain resolute in ensuring that every retiree receives what is rightfully theirs.”
Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, praised the governor for his commitment to the welfare of pensioners, describing the gesture as a demonstration of compassion and a strong motivation for serving officers. She noted that Oyebanji’s record of N25 billion paid in pensions, N9.6 billion in gratuities for state retirees, and N3 billion for local government workers stands as a historic achievement.
Special Adviser on Pension Matters, Pa Pius Oduola, lauded the governor as a “pensioner-friendly leader” whose empathy for the elderly has set a new benchmark in governance. Labour leaders, including the chairmen of the NLC, TUC, and JNC, also commended Oyebanji for transforming the once bleak situation of pensioners into one of renewed hope and dignity.
Representing the beneficiaries, Mr Oladapo Akinola and Mrs Adejoke Omoseebi described the N2 billion payment as a “third-year anniversary gift” that reflects the governor’s compassion and sincerity. They said Oyebanji’s consistency in settling gratuities has restored faith in government and rekindled joy among the state’s senior citizens.
