Adeleke Disburses ₦204.3 Million Life Assurance Benefits to Families of Deceased Workers

 Sunday Okunade

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has presented cheques totaling ₦204.3 million to beneficiaries of the Group Life Assurance Scheme under the Contributory Pension Scheme for both state and local government workers. The presentation took place at the State Secretariat Complex in Abere as part of the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

Speaking at the event through the Head of Service, Mr. Ayanleye Aina, Governor Adeleke stated that the payment was another fulfillment of his campaign promise to prioritize the welfare of workers and pensioners, which remains a key pillar of his five-point agenda for the state.

The governor explained that the Group Life Assurance Scheme, established in 2008, was designed to provide death-in-service benefits to public servants, including employees of tertiary institutions, teaching hospitals, local government councils, and public schools, adding that the scheme ensures that families and next of kin receive financial support following the loss of a loved one.

According to him, "upon assuming office in 2022, our administration discovered several challenges affecting the settlement of insurance claims. These issues were largely attributed to irregular premium payments by previous administrations, which delayed benefits to deserving beneficiaries.

"To address the situation, the government engaged VALANIS Insurance Brokers Limited and appointed Capital Express Assurance Plc as the lead insurance underwriter in August 2023. This intervention helped restore confidence in the scheme and improve the processing of claims". He said.

Governor Adeleke disclosed that his administration has so far paid a cumulative sum of ₦882.75 million to 184 beneficiaries across various sectors of the public service. He noted that the payments demonstrate his government’s determination to uphold the rights and welfare of workers even after their demise.

He further announced the introduction of a Personal Accident Insurance package under the Group Life Assurance Scheme, noting that, under the new arrangement, every worker in the state workforce, regardless of grade level, is entitled to up to ₦1 million in medical expense coverage for accident-related injuries.

The governor also revealed that his administration approved and released ₦1.87 billion to settle outstanding insurance claims owed to 563 beneficiaries. The claims covered the period from September 2013 to August 2023 and had remained unpaid by previous administrations.

Despite financial constraints, Adeleke maintained that his government has remained steadfast in fulfilling its obligations to workers and pensioners. He added that the administration’s commitment to pension reforms and funding has earned Osun State a ranking among the top-performing states in the implementation of the contributory pension scheme.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Azeez Muritada expressed gratitude to Governor Adeleke for the gesture. He said he was pleasantly surprised to receive the cheque on behalf of his late son and prayed for continued success and divine guidance for the governor and his administration.