Ekiti Pensioners hail Fayemi for Improved Welfare in One Year.

Pensioners in Ekiti State have described the first year of Governor Kayode Fayemi in office as a “huge blessing to them” in terms of better welfare package.

Acting under the aegis of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), they hailed the Governor for giving priority to regular payment of pensions and gratuity since coming to power in October 2018.

Fayemi received the accolades while performing the launch of the state NUP Welfare Fund of N10 million for distressed members of the union in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, the Governor said his interest in the welfare of the senior citizens was the motivation behind the relaunch of the Social Security Scheme for the Aged otherwise known as “Owo Arugbo”.

Fayemi added that the Food Bank initiative of the First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, also known as “Ounje Arugbo,” was aimed at giving succour to the elderly people and giving them an opportunity to live comfortably in their old age.

According to him, his administration places premium on pensioners’ welfare, and that was responsible for setting aside N100 million monthly to clear the backlog of gratuity arrears to give the retirees a new lease of life. The Governor assured of his consistency in the regular payment of pension alongside workers salary and clearing of gratuity arrears.

He said: “We have consistently paid workers’ salaries alongside pensions, bearing in mind that payment of salaries and pension will boost the economy of the state. The Iyalojas will have increased patronage and rents would be paid as and when due to landlords”.

“You mentioned gratuity, if Mr Governor is not going to do anything, he will not promise, he has promised that he will pay your gratuity arrears, we are already paying gradually, we will defray your arrears, we have made you our priorities.”