The Ekiti State Government on Monday disbursed a sum of N2 billion to 800 retirees to defray the backlog of gratuity arrears, saying that with this current payment, the state government has expended a total sum of N14.6 billion on gratuity, while N25 billion has been paid as pension to retirees in three years.
The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, spoke in Ado-Ekiti while presenting cheques to a new set of 800 retirees who bowed out of service in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, said that his government has kept the promise he made during electioneering to make elders happier in line with his vision.
Oyebanji revealed that his government in 2024 paid out a sum of N1.3 billion in gratuity arrears, saying he then promised to upscale the amount, which now reflected in the N2 billion disbursement.
Oyebanji maintained that as of September 2025, there were 10,106 retirees on the State Pensioners’ Payroll whose pensions are being paid regularly and timely. He said part of the efforts to enhance their welfare includes the approval of a N20 million upward review of monthly pensions across the board for all categories of pensioners.
The Governor assured that his administration would increase the tally of payments and cover more mileage in 2026 with prudent management of resources and prioritisation of government expenditures.
“I am more than sure that you are all excited to be here today. Let me tell you that you cannot be happier than I am today. One of the things that make me happy as Governor is seeing that I am in a position to wipe away the tears of others.
“As a son of a retired father, I understand the anxiety and uncertainty that greet every retiree as they retire. The news of many people marking time on the queue for many years before earning their gratuity can be very traumatic.
“I wish to note that through disciplined financial management and unwavering commitment, the Government has paid a sum of N25,967,151,534.89 as pension since I took over the reins of administration of this State in October 2022, while N1,140,943,594.38 was paid as arrears of pension.
“Also, in gratuity payment, we have so far disbursed N7,600,000,000.00 to State Pensioners. With the additional payment of N2,000,000,000.00 being paid today, from 2022 to date, this Government has achieved a cumulative gratuity payment of N9.6 billion to State Pensioners.
“By implication, under this administration, all 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 State retirees would have been paid their gratuity in full. Under the Contributory Pension Scheme, a total sum of N183,868,625.40 was disbursed to 159 retirees between 2022 and 2025,” he said.
Commending the governor for his preference for welfarist programmes, the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, described the payment as a fulfilment of the governor’s promise to buffer the sufferings of pensioners and make life more rewarding for retirees.
Dr. Olomojobi remarked that the gesture was a convincing signal and strong motivation to those who are still in active service that they have a good future ahead of them after retirement.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Com. Kolapo Olatunde, his counterpart in the Trade Union Congress, Com. Omotola Farotimi and the Joint Negotiating Council, Com. Oluwafemi Ajoloko saluted Oyebanji for changing the sordid narrative of the past by alleviating the sufferings of retirees through prompt payment of all entitlements.
Speaking for the beneficiaries, Mr. Oladapo Akinola and Mrs Adejoke Omoseebi said the payment represented the governor’s third-year gift for pensioners, adding that the N14.6 billion gratuity payment in three years was outstanding and confirmed Oyebanji’s empathy for the elders.
