Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has said that easing the hardship of citizens remains his greatest joy as a leader. He made the remarks on Monday while disbursing N2 billion to 800 retirees in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, through his deputy, Mrs Monisade Afuye.
The governor noted that his administration has spent N14.6 billion on gratuities and N25 billion on pensions for senior citizens over the past three years. As of September 2025, 10,106 retirees were on the state pension payroll, receiving timely monthly payments.
Oyebanji also announced an upward review of pensions, approving a N20 million increase across all categories of retirees. He pledged that payments would expand further in 2026, guided by prudent resource management and careful prioritisation of government spending.
“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 makes me happy as governor is seeing that I am in a position to wipe away the tears of others,” the governor said.
Recalling his personal connection to retirees, Oyebanji added, “As a son of a retired teacher, I understand the anxiety and uncertainty that greet every retiree. Many spend years waiting in queues before receiving their gratuity, which can be very traumatic.”
He detailed that since October 2022, the government has disbursed N25.967 billion as pension, N1.14 billion as arrears, and N9.6 billion as gratuity, including the current N2 billion payment. This ensures that retirees from 2013 to 2016 have received their gratuity in full. Under the Contributory Pension Scheme, N183.86 million was disbursed to 159 retirees between 2022 and 2025.
Oyebanji emphasized the government’s commitment to eliminating the backlog of gratuities, noting a monthly release of N100 million for gratuity payments, which has expanded coverage for state pensioners over the past three years.
The Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, commended the governor for prioritising welfare programmes, describing the disbursement as a fulfilment of his promise to ease retirees’ hardships and motivate those still in service.
Two beneficiaries, Mr Oladapo Akinola and Mrs Adejoke Omoseebi, praised the payment, calling it a significant third-year gift that demonstrates the governor’s empathy and commitment to the welfare of retirees.
