Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has issued a directive for the immediate payment of pension entitlements as planned in the template released earlier this year.
This was stated in a press release issued by the governor’s spokesman, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.
Adeleke said this when he received thought leaders who had come to pay him a Sallah homage. He stressed that he had heard from the pensioners on a number of occasions and reiterated his commitment to addressing their concerns in accordance with his campaign promises.
The Governor noted that the template issued earlier this year for clearing outstanding salaries and pensions is still in effect, and he has since directed the State Head of Service to expedite implementation by ensuring the payment of pension arrears in accordance with the approved template.
The communique read, “The template was created with an eye on gradual clearing of the salary and pension debts. This was in recognition of the financial status of the state which is well documented and known to the public. Our administration focuses on meeting the various needs of the state within a tight financial situation.
“Our administration is, however, prioritising workers’ welfare, which covers in and out of service workers. I restate our commitment to the welfare of our senior citizens, the pensioners. The phased payments is a standby directive and I assure our pensioners that they are not and cannot be forgotten.”
Furthermore, Adeleke said his administration is almost finalising a plan to enrol the pensioners under the state health insurance scheme to address their health needs.
“Our administration is working hard on health insurance enrollment for the pensioners. Our senior citizens need constant health attention. We think the best approach is to enrol them, as that will ease the burden of treatment during their retirement.”
“We are working on the details. Once it is finalised, we will release it for immediate implementation”, the governor assured.
