* Reveals N14.6b Paid by Govt as Gratuity
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday disbursed a sum of N2 billion to 800 retirees to defray the backlog of gratuity arrears, saying that wiping away tears from the faces of citizens brings him great joy as a leader.
The governor stated that with this current payment, his government has expended a total sum of N14.6 billion on gratuities, while a staggering amount of N25 billion has been paid as pension to the elder statesmen in three years.
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, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, was ecstatic that his government has fulfilled all righteousness by keeping his promise during electioneering to make elders happier, in line with his vision.
Reflecting on the good dealings he had extended to the retirees, Oyebanji revealed that his government in 2024 paid out a sum of N1.3 billion in gratuity arrears, adding that he then promised to upscale the amount, which is 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 promptly. He said part of 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 was upbeat that his administration would increase the tally of payments and cover more mileage in 2026, with prudent management of resources and shrewd 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 an additional payment of N2,000,000,000.00 being made 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.
As part of his firm resolve to clear the backlog of gratuities, Oyebanji said his government has continued to ensure a regular monthly release of N100 million for gratuity payments at the state level, which has provided wider coverage in the last three years.
Commending the governor for his preference for welfarist programmes, the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, described the payment as the fulfillment of the governor’s promise to alleviate 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 still in active service that they have a good future ahead of them after retirement.
“Apart from the N250 million the governor released to pensioners for the payment of gratuity monthly, he has decided to do this to cover another round of 800 retirees for the 2015 and 2016 years.
“Going by the records, the governor has paid a sum of N25 billion as pension, N9.6 billion as gratuity for state retirees, and N3 billion for local government staff, making a cumulative total of N14.6 billion in three years. This, to me, is commendable and historical,” she said.
Branding Oyebanji as a man of the masses, the Special Adviser on Pension Matters, Pa Pius Oduola, described the governor as a pensioner-friendly leader whose success in office could be largely attributed to his immense love and respect for the elders.
As the 2026 governorship poll approaches and gathers more steam, Pa Oduola canvassed solid backing for the governor among pensioners to realize his second-term ambition, which he said he deserves.
The Chairmen of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Com. Kolapo Olatunde; 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 to pensioners, adding that the N14.6 billion gratuity payment in three years was outstanding and confirmed Oyebanji’s empathy for the elders.
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