Abiodun releases N6.7bn to offset backlogs of gratuities

The Ogun State government has reiterated its commitment to consistently prioritize the welfare of its retirees.

This was demonstrated through the recent release of the sum of N6.7 billion to offset backlogs of gratuities for retired public servants.

The Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, made this known while declaring open the 9th Quarterly General Meeting of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries – South West, Nigeria (ARHOSPS-SWN), hosted by the Ogun State chapter of the Association at the ARHOSPS Secretariat, opposite OOPL gate, Abiola Way, Abeokuta.

Represented by the Head of Service of the State, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, the governor said the gesture was a show of appreciation and the responsibility of a responsive government that is totally committed to the welfare and well-being of its senior citizens, as the roles they play in the ongoing actualization of the administration’s “Building Our Future Together” Agenda have not gone unnoticed.

He restated that his administration remains committed to maintaining strong ties with the forebears of the Public Service and has continually demonstrated a deep respect for the founding fathers of the Civil Service, upon which he is privileged to build.

Abiodun revealed that an initiative has been put in place to train prospective retirees, especially members of the top echelon, in preparation for life after service, as this is also part of the government’s support for workers as they transition into retirement, in order to make them remain valuable to themselves, society, and the continued progress and development of Gateway State.

In a remark, the Regional President of the Association, Dr. Ebenezer Okebukola, recapped events that had taken place in the six South West states, including partnering with Brazil Amber Energia to establish power plants to further enhance industrial growth and food security in Ogun State, among others.

He appreciated Governor Abiodun for providing support to the state chapter of the Association to make their stay comfortable by hosting them at the meeting.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Governor’s Elder Consultative Council and the last Permanent Secretary still alive since the creation of the State, Chief Oluneye Okuboyejo, urged the delegates to keep up the spirit of brotherhood so that the objectives of the Association can be further achieved.