Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has pledged his commitment to implementing the new N70,000 minimum wage for workers in the state. Speaking on Tuesday in Ado Ekiti during the distribution of N1 billion in gratuity cheques to retirees, Governor Oyebanji reassured workers of his dedication to their welfare.
Governor Oyebanji expressed confidence that all outstanding pension arrears would be cleared before the end of the year. He stated, “On minimum wage, once it becomes a law when the President signs it into law, all will be well. The only thing I know, I am here to serve you. Let us wait, at the appropriate time, all will be well. One thing I know is that I am not going to disappoint you.”
The Senate and House of Representatives recently passed the N70,000 National Wage Bill, sending it to President Bola Tinubu for final approval.
Addressing the issue of local government autonomy, Oyebanji confirmed that Ekiti State already adheres to the Supreme Court’s judgment, with financially autonomous and democratically elected local governments. “We don’t have a problem with that judgment in Ekiti State,” he said.
During the event, 450 pensioners received gratuity cheques totaling N1 billion. Governor Oyebanji apologized for the delays retirees had faced, stating, “Pensioners are a critical part of our policies, they have worked for the state, they served the state and they deserve the best. We are not doing them a favor, they worked for these benefits and we must pay them.”
He further highlighted his administration’s achievements, noting, “Today and in this batch, we are paying out a total sum of N1 billion while continuing with the monthly gratuity payment of N20 million to both state and local government pensioners. I am proud to say we have paid in total, the sum of N12.56 billion as pensions since we assumed office.”
Governor Oyebanji also assured those still awaiting payments that efforts are underway to clear all gratuity arrears soon. “Our ultimate objective is to completely liquidate all gratuity arrears in a short distant time,” he said.
