Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the disbursement of ₦204,275,209.80 to the next of kin of civil servants who died while in active service in Osun State, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers and pensioners.
The payment was presented to beneficiaries in Osogbo, where the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, represented the governor at the cheque distribution ceremony.
According to the state government in a post on its X account on Monday, the amount comprises ₦125,631,083.45 for beneficiaries at the state level and ₦78,644,126.35 for beneficiaries at the local government level.
Addressing the beneficiaries through the Head of Service, Adeleke said his administration remains focused on fulfilling its promises despite the state’s financial challenges.
“My commitment to workers’ and pensioners’ welfare remains unshaken despite the financial challenges facing the state,” the governor said.
He noted that the welfare of workers and retirees was a key component of his administration’s Five-Point Action Plan and expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far.
“When we stated clearly in our Five-Point Action Plan our desire to make the welfare of the workforce and pensioners our number one priority, our detractors made jest of us, describing the pledge as an impossibility. Today, to the glory of God, we have made significant progress as a talk-and-do administration,” Adeleke stated.
The governor disclosed that since 2023, his administration has paid a total of ₦882,752,717.50 in death benefits to 184 beneficiaries across the state public service.
He also revealed that under the Personal Accident Insurance Scheme, the government had approved and released ₦1,866,719,123.15 to settle outstanding claims involving 563 beneficiaries, covering the period from September 2013 to August 1, 2023.
Explaining the importance of the scheme, Adeleke said the Group Life Assurance Policy under the Contributory Pension Scheme was established to provide financial support to families of workers who die in service.
“The Group Life Assurance Policy under the Contributory Pension Scheme is designed to cater for death-in-service benefits for Osun State workers,” he said.
The governor criticised the previous administration for what he described as its failure to adequately address outstanding insurance and death benefit obligations.
He described the refusal to settle such claims as “inhumane and uncharitable” and alleged that irregularities were allowed in the payment of insurance premiums meant to facilitate the settlement of beneficiaries’ claims.
Adeleke assured workers and pensioners that his administration would continue to prioritize their welfare and ensure that legitimate entitlements are paid promptly.
Credit: punchng.com
