Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has paid a sum of N2 billion to 800 retirees to clear a backlog of gratuity arrears, asserting that making citizens happy is his greatest joy as a leader.
The governor revealed that the state government has now expended a cumulative sum of N14.6 billion on gratuity for both state and local government retirees since he assumed office in October 2022.
Additionally, he noted that a staggering amount of N25 billion has been paid as pension to the state’s elder statesmen in the last three years.
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Speaking yesterday in Ado Ekiti while presenting the cheques to the new set of 800 beneficiaries, who retired in 2015 and 2016, Oyebanji, represented by his deputy, Monisade Afuye, expressed delight in fulfilling his election promise to prioritise the welfare of elders.
The governor highlighted his administration’s financial commitment, noting that they had previously paid N1.3 billion in gratuity arrears in 2024 and had now significantly increased the disbursement to N2 billion.
Oyebanji stated that as of September 2025, there are 10,106 retirees on the State Pensioners’ Payroll receiving regular and timely pensions.
He also approved a N20 million upward review of the monthly pension across all categories.
Detailing the payments, the governor stated that since October 2022, his government has paid a total of ₦25.97 billion as pension and ₦1.14 billion as arrears of pension.
Regarding gratuity for state pensioners, the cumulative payment reached N9.6 billion with the current N2 billion disbursement.
This payment ensures that all state retirees from 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 have received their gratuity in full. A total of ₦183.9 million was also disbursed to 159 retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme between 2022 and 2025.
Oyebanji, who said he understood the trauma retirees face having a retired father himself, reiterated his administration’s “disciplined financial management and unwavering commitment” to liquidating the backlog.
He confirmed that the government maintains a regular monthly release of N100 million for state-level gratuity payment to ensure wider coverage.
Commending the governor’s efforts, Head of Service, Folakemi Olomojobi, described the gesture as a strong motivation for those in active service.
She confirmed the total payment figures, stating that the governor has paid N25 billion as pension, N9.6 billion as gratuity for state retirees, and N5 billion for local government staff, making a cumulative gratuity payment of N14.6 billion in three years.
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Beneficiaries, including Oladapo Akinola and Adejoke Omoseebi, thanked the governor, calling the payment an “outstanding” testament to his empathy for the elders.
Labour union leaders, including the Chairmen of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and Joint Negotiating Council, also lauded Oyebanji for changing the “sordid narrative of the past” regarding delayed entitlements.
