Gov. Adeleke presents ₦4.2b bonds certificate to contributory pensioners

 Sunday Okunade 

The Osun State Government has presented bonds certificate worth a total sum of one billion, nine hundred and ninety nine million, nine hundred and eight thousand, eight hundred and eight seven Naira (N1,999, 908,887.33), to the contributory pensioners at the state level while 2.3 billion was also presented to retirees at the Local Government level in the state.

Speaking at the event which was held at the Local Government Service Commission Hall, Abere, Governor Ademola Adeleke said, his administration has paid attention to all sectors within a tight financial situation, despite the dwindling value of Naira which has negatively affected the actual value of the state fund including the less than 20 percent increment in Federal Government allocation, saying the earning as a state is less in value compared to what was obtained under the previous administration.

The governor pledged that his administration will continue to resolve individual and personal issues plaguing the sector.

He noted that he has paid the total sum of twenty two billion, six hundred, seventy one million, two hundred and seventeen thousand, eight hundred and ninety three Naira (N22,671,217,893.24) within the two years of his administration.

The state's helmsman therefore commended the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina and his team for their strong performance in service delivery and in the ongoing reform of the public service. 

While speaking, the  Coordinator, Forum of Contributory Pensioners in Osun, Alhaji Ayinde Toyin appreciated the kind gesture of the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises by paying pensions and other entitlements.

He used the opportunity to appeal to Governor Adeleke to equally consider other thirteen thousand Contributory Pensioners in both primary and secondary sectors who are still waiting since 2017 and 2019 to be captured. He therefore pledged their support for Governor Adeleke to remain in office beyond 2026.

In his address of welcome, the State Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina thanked the governor for keeping his campaign promises by prioritising workers welfare, stressing that, since assumption of office in 2022, he has been giving civil servants their due benefits such as payment of salaries promptly, cash backing of promotions met on ground, approval of training for workers, approval of #75,000 minimum wage for workers among others.

Mr Odetunde Femi Olabisi who spoke on behalf of the retirees thanked the governor for doing well for the pensioners, just as he prayed that God would grant him the grace to finish well.