It was a moment of gratitude to God and the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led administration in Ekiti State when some 279 pensioners were handed their gratuities by the state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
Presenting cheques totalling N501,605,815.84 to the 279 pensioners who had retired from the service of the state and local governments on Friday, the governor said the payment is a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of pensioners and to ensure that they receive their benefits as and when due.
Fayemi explained that the delay in the payment of gratuity was not unconnected to the biometric data capture of all pensioners and workers on the payroll of the state government.
He said the move was aimed at ensuring pragmatic planning and personnel financial management in the state.
He assured the pensioners of regular release of funds for the payment of all gratuities.
On the implementation of the six per cent and 15 per cent incremental rates for pension allowances, the governor stated that government has approved these incremental rates but the dwindling finances faced by the state was responsible for failure to implement same.
He said: “Be that it may, we are looking inward to raise fund for the implementation.
“I have directed the Ekiti State Pension Commission to determine all indebtedness to pensioners including those of the corporations and tertiary institutions.
“This is important so that we can have a holistic record of all monies owed pensioners to be able to plan the payment.”