Gov Ademola Adeleke of Osun state presented bond certificates to contributory pensioners in the state, on Thursday, March 9.
Altogether, bond certificates worth N1.528 billion were presented to retired workers from both the state civil service and local government service.
The sum of N350 million was equally released as gratuities to retired staff of primary and secondary schools, tertiary institutions, civil servants and staff of parastatals.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Governor Adeleke apologised on behalf of the state government for the ill-treatment experienced in the past by retirees.
In his words: “Permit me to first apologize, on behalf of Osun State to our pensioners, for the ill-treatment of the past. You had laboured hard to serve the state. It is unfortunate that the past government decided to ignore and deride your significant input and contribution to state development. Accept our apologies.”
He revealed that his focus since taking over as governor in November 2022 was how to resolve all outstanding workers-related debts.
“Workers, in and out of service, deserve their due emoluments. It was in that spirit that I attended to the issue of half salary. We are paying it and we will clear all outstanding based on our people-oriented template.
“Let me make this clear. I am not doing you any favour. I am only fulfilling the task you voted me to do. It is in that spirit that I am extending this attention to the contributory pensioners,” he stated.
While emphasising that his goal in government is the welfare of the people, he pointed out that any government that refused to serve the public good has failed constitutionally and morally.