In demonstration of its unwavering concern for the welfare of senior citizens, Ogun State Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, has disbursed N2.6bn gratuity to retired Public Primary School Teachers and Local Government retirees for the 4th quarter, 2024.

Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Engr. Olufisan Osiyale, revealed this in his Office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, saying the gesture was borne out of Governor Dapo Abiodun's love and passion for the senior citizens, in order to adequately catered for them in the face of the prevailing economic situation.

"I must say that we are fortunate to have Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose interest for the welfare of people is unprecedented. He is of the opinion that those who have served diligently, during their active years, should be adequately taken care of in their old age. This is the motive behind the disbursement of the N2.64bn gratuity to both retired Local Government staff and Public Primary School Teachers," he said.

 Osiyale enjoined the beneficiaries to take advantage of the gesture by staying healthy and keeping a moderate lifestyle, adding that their support and prayers would serve as a measure of appreciation for the hand of fellowship extended to them by the Governor.

Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mr. Samuel Megbowon and Mrs. Caroline Odugbesan, while commending Governor Abiodun for the regular payment of their monthly pensions and gratuities, solicited for the continuous release of funds.

In a related development, the state government has increased the monthly pensions of Local Government retirees and retired Primary School Teachers by N20,000, with effect from October 2024, to alleviate the economic hardship being experienced in the country.

Permanent Secretary in the Bureau, Engr. Osiyale, made this known, while fielding questions from newsmen in Abeokuta, noting that the present administration was passionate about the welfare of the senior citizens whom, he said, deserved the best.

‘’The increment in the payment of monthly pensions to our retirees is a sign of Prince Dapo Abiodun’s initiative at ensuring that the pensioners benefit from the new minimum wage", Osiyale said.

In her submission, State Chairperson, Retired Primary School Teachers Association of Nigeria (REPSTAN), Mrs. Caroline Oguntola, commended Governor Abiodun for the increase in their monthly pensions and payment of  gratuities, as well as the sale of Federal and State Government subsidised rice to the retirees, imploring him to continue his good works.