Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has revealed that his administration has paid over ₦47 billion in gratuities to retirees within two years of assuming office. Adeleke disclosed this during a ceremony in Osogbo on Monday, where bond certificates worth ₦1.9 billion were presented to contributory pensioners from state and local governments.
The governor highlighted his administration’s efforts to address long-standing issues in the pension sector and improve the welfare of retirees.
Comparative Analysis of Pension Payments
Contrasting his administration’s performance with those of his predecessors, Adeleke noted that former Governor Rauf Aregbesola paid a total of ₦17.15 billion in pensions between 2010 and 2018. Similarly, former Governor Gboyega Oyetola disbursed ₦17.25 billion during his tenure, which ended in 2022.
“The combined total for the two previous administrations over 12 years was ₦34.41 billion,” Adeleke stated.
In comparison, Adeleke revealed that his government had already surpassed these figures.
“For our administration, in the last two years, plus what we are paying out today, the total payment is ₦22.67 billion for state pensions. For local government pensions, the total is ₦25 billion, making our payment over ₦47 billion in just two years. This is almost 70% of what the former APC administration paid in 12 years,” he added.
Commitment to Pension Reforms
Governor Adeleke assured retirees of his administration’s unwavering commitment to resolving systemic challenges in the pension sector.
He emphasized ongoing plans to standardize pension operations, ensuring that retirees receive their benefits promptly and with dignity.
“Our administration remains dedicated to upholding the welfare of retirees. We are committed to addressing both individual and systemic issues in the pension sector,” Adeleke said.
He also pledged continued prioritization of retirees’ needs, noting that pension reforms would be a cornerstone of his administration’s agenda.
Retiree Reactions
The disbursement has been met with appreciation from many retirees, who lauded the government’s focus on resolving outstanding pension issues.