By Mumini AbdulKareem
No fewer than 100 pensioners of Local Governments in Kwara State on Thursday in Ilorin received part of their gratuity benefits, the first since 2008.
Each of the pensioners got N200,000 each from the N20m approved for the payment by the state government.
Presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries at the ceremony held in the premises of the Local Government Service Commission, the Chairman, Hajia Sarat Ibrahim Adebayo, appreciated the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed for making the event possible.
She said Governor Ahmed remained committed to the welfare of the pensioners in the state, urging them to continue to support the present administration.
According to her, the government has resolved to regularise the payment monthly once there is improvement in allocation from Federal Government.
She thanked the pensioners for their patience, adding that the dwindling allocation from the federation account was responsible for the long delay in the disbursement of their gratuity.
Adebayo who is also the Chairman Local Government Pension Board, said the state government had been very transparent in its dealings with pensioners over the issue, which she state was a reflection of the unique JAAC meeting in the state.
Speaking on behalf the pensioners, the state Chairman National Union of Pensioners, Alhaji Oladimeji Saidu applauded Governor Ahmed for approval and release of money for the payment of the gratuity to their members.
He saluted the courage and resilience of Adebayo to the course of retirees in the local government.
Reacting on behalf of the retirees, one of the pensioners, Ayo Salman, lauded the Governor and prayed forย continuation of the payment to capture more beneficiaries.
