Olamide Adeniji
573 pensioners in Oyo State have received gratuity cheques worth N1.3billion, on Monday.
The beneficiaries include 449 pensioners who are alive and next-of-kins to 124 deceased pensioners, drawn from retired primary school teachers ?2011 and 2012) and former local government workers who retired in 2014.
Mr. Remi Ayodele, the Chairman, Local Government Staff Pension Board, while handing over the cheques, at the State Secretariat, Ibadan, urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds.
Ayodele stressed that the Governor Seyi Makinde led government was determined to make payment of pensions and gratuities a priority, despite the dwindling federal allocation and looming economic recession.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Adediwura Mojisola, a retired director of community health, applauded the current administration for wiping away the tears of pensioners in the state.
The Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Staff Pension Board, Mr. Bayo Titilola-Sodo assured pensioners that the State Government would always prioritise their welfare.
Among others present were the Secretary, Local Government Staff Pension Board, Dr. Busari Ayodele and the Chairman, Retired Primary School Teachers, Mr Dosu Akinpelu