Ogun Pays Another Batch of Gratuities to SUBEB, Local Government Retirees

By Popoola Jamiu, Abeokuta

The Ogun State Government has announced the payment of another tranche of gratuities to retirees of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Local Government service, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of pensioners in the state.

The Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Engr. Olufisan Osiyale, disclosed this in Abeokuta, noting that the gesture reflects the administration’s determination to ensure improved living standards for retirees after years of public service.

He said the government would continue to prioritise regular payment of gratuities to ensure that retirees receive the full financial value of their entitlements without unnecessary delay.

Osiyale explained that the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has consistently demonstrated strong commitment to the welfare of senior citizens, particularly in ensuring timely settlement of pension and gratuity obligations.

“Without mincing words, every programme aimed at improving the lives of retirees reflects the passion of the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who places the wellbeing of senior citizens at the forefront of governance,” he said.

He added that the administration remained committed to honouring workers who dedicated their productive years to public service.

Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, retired primary school teacher Mrs. Suriat Adedoja and a local government retiree, Mr. Adeshina Osho, commended the government for the consistent payment of gratuities, noting that the support would be put to proper use.

In a related development, Osiyale also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to retirees’ welfare during a sensitisation, verification and screening exercise for public primary school teachers and local government workers scheduled to retire between January and December 2027.

The exercise, held at the Bureau’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, was described as mandatory to ensure the smooth consolidation of Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Represented by the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Bureau, Mrs. Monsurat Toriola, Osiyale reiterated that the Abiodun administration remains focused on improving the living conditions of retirees, adding that their years of service deserve appreciation and respect.

Also speaking, the Director of the Contributory Pension Scheme in the Bureau, Mr. Michael Sanu, explained that the state government introduced the Additional Pension Benefits (APB) to complement the CPS and provide extra financial support to retirees at the point of retirement.

He advised intending retirees to submit necessary documentation at least six months before retirement to avoid delays in processing their benefits.

Representatives of Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), including Mr. Wale Adeniran of Fidelity Pensions and Mr. Oluwagbami Olaife of Oak Pensions, said the verification exercise was aimed at updating records of retiring officers to ensure prompt payment of their entitlements.

They urged retirees to keep their records up to date and report any changes to their PFAs, while also advising them to engage in low-risk and stress-free ventures after retirement due to age considerations.

Some participants, including Mrs. Bilikis Hussein and Mr. Rasheed Lawal, expressed appreciation to the state government for the sensitisation programme, saying it had provided them with useful guidance on managing retirement benefits and investing wisely.