Oyo State Pays Gratuity of N1.3 billion for Pensioners

Oyo State Government has issued cheques amounting to N1.3 billion for 573 pensioners, being payment of their gratuity, the cheques were presented to the beneficiaries on Monday.

The beneficiaries, which include 449 pensioners and next-of-kins of 124 dead pensioners, are drawn from primary school teachers that retired in 2011 and 2012 and local government workers that exited service in 2014.

Chairman of the Local Government Staff Pension Board, Mr Remi Ayodele, who handed over the cheques, at the state Secretariat, Ibadan, charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds because they were at a crucial point of their lives. He said notwithstanding reduced federal allocation and looming economic recession, the Governor Seyi Makinde’s led government was irresolute making payment of pensions and gratuities a priority.

Secretary of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo State chapter, Mr Segun Abatan, also advised beneficiaries to ensure judicious use of the funds and only venture into business they are sure of.