Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, says nothing gives him greater joy as a leader than easing the pain of struggling citizens and putting smiles on their faces.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, said this on Monday in Ado Ekiti while disbursing ₦2 billion in gratuities to 800 retirees.
Oyebanji noted that with this latest payment, his administration had so far spent ₦14.6 billion on gratuities and ₦25 billion on pensions in just three years.
“As of September 2025, there are 10,106 retirees on our payroll, and we’ve been consistent in paying their pensions promptly,” he said.
The governor also announced an upward review of monthly pensions by ₦20 million across all categories, saying it was part of efforts to improve the welfare of senior citizens in the state.
“One of the things that makes me happiest as governor is being in a position to wipe away people’s tears.
As the son of a retired teacher, I understand the anxiety and uncertainty that come with retirement. Waiting years to get gratuity is traumatic, and I am determined to end that experience,” Oyebanji said.
He explained that between October 2022 and now, his government had paid ₦25.9 billion in pensions and ₦1.14 billion in arrears, in addition to ₦9.6 billion in cumulative gratuity payments to state pensioners.
According to him, retirees from 2013 to 2016 have now been fully paid, while under the Contributory Pension Scheme, about ₦183.86 million has been disbursed to 159 retirees since 2022.
The governor added that his administration releases ₦100 million monthly for gratuity payments at the state level, ensuring steady progress in clearing the backlog.
Ekiti’s Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, commended Oyebanji for prioritizing pensioners’ welfare, describing the gesture as proof of his compassion and commitment to social justice.
“The governor has paid ₦25 billion in pensions, ₦9.6 billion in gratuities for state retirees, and ₦3 billion for local government staff — a total of ₦14.6 billion in three years. That’s commendable and historic,” she said.
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Some of the beneficiaries, including Mr. Oladapo Akinola and Mrs. Adejoke Omoseebi, thanked the governor, describing the payment as his “third-year anniversary gift” to retirees and a true reflection of his empathy for the elderly.
