By Peter Omopo
Ado Ekiti – Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday disbursed ₦2 billion as gratuity to 800 retirees, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to the welfare and dignity of senior citizens in the state.
The presentation, which took place in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, was performed by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, on behalf of the governor. She said the initiative reflected Oyebanji’s compassion for pensioners and his resolve to “wipe tears from the faces of hapless citizens.”
According to Oyebanji, the latest payout brings the total amount spent on gratuities to ₦14.6 billion, while ₦25 billion has been expended on pension payments over the last three years.
“As a son of a retired teacher, I understand the anxiety that comes with retirement,” the governor said. “Many people have waited years to receive their gratuities, which can be traumatic. Through disciplined financial management and unwavering commitment, we have been able to clear much of the backlog.”
The governor disclosed that as of September 2025, a total of 10,106 retirees were on the state’s pension payroll and had been receiving their entitlements regularly. He added that his administration had also approved a ₦20 million upward review of monthly pensions across various categories.
Massive Pension Settlements Across the Years
Providing a breakdown of payments, Oyebanji explained that between 2022 and 2025, the government disbursed ₦25.9 billion as pensions and ₦1.14 billion as arrears, while ₦9.6 billion was paid as gratuities to state retirees, including the ₦2 billion released on Monday.
Under the Contributory Pension Scheme, ₦183.86 million was paid to 159 retirees within the same period.
The governor further revealed that all retirees who left service between 2013 and 2016 had now been paid in full, adding that a monthly allocation of ₦100 million for gratuity payments had been institutionalised to ensure continuity.
Head of Service, Beneficiaries Laud Governor’s Initiative
The Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, described the development as a landmark achievement and the fulfilment of the governor’s promise to safeguard the welfare of pensioners.
“Going by available records, the governor has paid ₦25 billion as pension, ₦9.6 billion as gratuity for state retirees, and ₦3 billion for local government staff—making a cumulative ₦14.6 billion in just three years,” Olomojobi said. “This is commendable, visionary, and truly historic.”
Two of the beneficiaries, Mr Oladapo Akinola and Mrs Adejoke Omoseebi, expressed gratitude to the governor, describing the gesture as a “third-anniversary gift” to retirees and a reflection of his empathy for the elderly.
Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa Flags Off ₦1.4bn Gratuity Payment
In a related development, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, also on Monday, flagged off the payment of ₦1.4 billion in arrears of unpaid gratuities to retired local government workers and primary school teachers who left service in 2014.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Akure, Aiyedatiwa said the initiative—which began during his tenure as deputy governor—was aimed at clearing long-standing entitlements and restoring retirees’ confidence in government.
“Whenever allocations improve, we set aside funds to settle gratuities,” he said. “This process will continue until every retiree is cleared. Payments are being done strictly by the year of exit to ensure transparency and fairness.”
The governor noted that bulk payments for the 2011–2013 sets had already been completed, while the 2014 batch was now being settled.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Adeniran Ikuomola, who represented the Head of Service, commended the governor for his compassion despite the state’s competing developmental needs. The Chairman of the National Union of Pensioners, Mr Johnson Osunyemi, also lauded the initiative, saying it had “restored dignity and rekindled hope among retirees.”
