In order to improve the standard of living of beneficiaries, and also to fast the payment exercise, the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board today commenced monthly payment of gratuity to pensioners.

In his keynote address at the flag off ceremony of the monthly payment exercise, the Chairman of the Board, Hon Akeem Ademola Ige stated that all the pensioners friendly policies of His Excellency, Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde are being executed by the Board.

In his words ” as you are all aware that our amiable Governor Seyi Makinde is implementing policies and programmes that are making life more meaningful for all the pensioners in the State. Hence, we commence today monthly payment of gratuity and death benefits to another batch of retirees.”

” In our usual practice, the payment exercise will be held in all the geo-political zones of the State and all the beneficiaries will receive alert in the comfort of their homes. This is with a view to reduce stress of all the beneficiaries both retired Local Government staff and public primary school teachers. Total sum of Five Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (#550m) will be disbursed to One Hundred and Thirty Four beneficiaries in this payment exercise” he said.

Hon Akeem Ige then commended Governor Seyi Makinde for the recent unprecedented upward  increase in monthly pension of all pensioners in the State.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Staff Pension Board, Alhaji Lukman Akinola Muraina said monthly payment of gratuity will allow pensioners have quick access to their retirement benefits and that the Board will soon embark on “I Am Alive Screening Exercise” in order to ascertain number of retirees that are alive and discover those that have died.

According to the Permanent Secretary, “conducting I Am Alive Screening Exercise is part of our statutory functions to determine the total number of retirees that are still alive and the deceased retirees. In August 2023, we saved millions of naira for the state government through the discovery at the screening exercise.”

In their various goodwill messages, the State Chairmen, Nigeria Union of Pensioners NUP Retired Primary School Teachers’ wing Com Dosu Akinpelu and retired Local Government Staff wing Com Muniru Adesope respectively expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde for rolling out pensioners welfare packages since assumption of office in May 2019 till date.

In their separate responses, Alhaji Fatai Azeez and Mrs. Mamasepe Janet on behalf of all the beneficiaries thanked Governor Seyi Makinde for paying their retirement benefits and prayed that God in His infinite mercy will continue to bless him.

The programme which was held in the Local Government Staff Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan had in attendance the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries Ibadan City zone1, Pastor Adeola Oduola, Ibadan Less City zone2 Mr. Olufemi Akinwale, Heads of Departments, LGSPB , NUP state Trustee 1 Comrade Ayodabo, and other state and Local Government NUP Executives.

E-Signed

Banke Adeyemo

DESS

LGSPB

The Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board, Hon Akeem Ademola Ige has warned prospective retirees  to desist  from patronising agents, touts or intermediaries in the processing of their retirement benefits.

Hon Akeem Ademola Ige gave the warning while receiving exhibits of files  belonging to prospective retirees stocked in big sacks brought to the Board by the daughter of a deceased agent/intermediary  .

Hon Akeem Ige who received the exhibits in the presence of some officials of the Board and the State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) Retired Primary School Teachers’ wing, Comrade  Dosu Akinpelu expressed shock and displeasure towards the racketeering  act perpetrated by  the deceased agent whose daughter said was a retired civil servant before he later died last year.

During interrogation, the daughter of the deceased agent said her late  father named late Adetutu Emmanuel Aderemi   was a retired  civil servant and the children saw the sacks containing vital documents at home after he  died and decided to bring them to Local Government Staff Pension Board.

While checking the exhibits which contained original documents of retirees  such as appointment letters, promotion letters,  school credentials certificates, amongst other important documents for processing of retirement benefits of prospective retirees in Ogbomoso zone, the authority of the Board said they did not expect such an act that can tarnish the image of the Board and State Government as a whole.

Hon Akeem Ige  emphasized that this was one of the major reasons why the Board organized a 2-Day sensitization training programme for prospective retirees last year in which all of them were enlightened on seamless ways of processing their retirement benefits so that they will not fall victim of fraudsters parading as agents/touts or intermediaries that collect huge amount of money without the knowledge of the management of the Board. He further stated that the training programme was held across all the geo-political zones in the State.

He then promised to get to the root of the matter by sorting out the files to ascertain the number of retirees that  patronised and affected by the fraudulent act of the deceased agent and also deal with any other agent that wants to tarnish the good image of the present Government under Governor  Seyi Makinde.

He explained further that the Board has improved in the processing of retirees files without delay hence any act of sabotage will not be allowed.

The Chairman said the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde has been consistent in the provision of welfare packages for pensioners  since assumption of office in 2019 and will not condone any act that is inimical to the progress of the pacesetter State.

He therefore advised anybody that had anything or documents for retirement with the agent before he died should show up at Information and Public Relations Unit of the Board.

E-Signed

Banke Adeyemo

DESS

LGSPB

The Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board, Hon Akeem Ademola Ige and the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) Oyo State Council have expressed their  heartfelt appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency,  Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde for upward review of monthly pension to all pensioners.

Hon Akeem Ademola Ige  described Governor Seyi Makinde as a promise keeper and a  great leader, who has been fulfilling his promises to the people of the pacesetter  State  including the pensioners. He noted that His Excellency has prioritized the welfare of all pensioners since he assumed office in May 2019 and has never reneged.

He stated that workers and pensioners are both enjoying various welfare packages under the present administration  led by Governor Seyi Makinde and he is implementing #80, 000 new minimum wage in which salary scale had  been signed based on the agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress and other relevant stakeholders.

Hon Ige said “I am glad that our amiable Governor has announced pension review to all pensioners. This is  good news to us as Local Government Staff Pension Board and the pensioners as well. We thank His Excellency,  Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde for being magnanimous. God bless and keep him for us in Oyo State”

Also, in a press release jointly signed by the State Chairman and Secretary Com Osuntade James Ayoade and Com Dr Olusegun Abatan respectively on behalf of the entire members of the  Nigeria Union of Pensioners Oyo State council said “we appreciate His Excellency,  Engr Seyi Makinde for his love , compassion and commitment to the welfare of our members”.

“We wish to inform our revered  members that His Excellency has announced pension review for all pensioners. The least paid pensioner will now earn #25,000. His Excellency has also graciously factored in 33% pension increase previously denied by past administrations  which was to have been implemented in 2010”.

“Consequential adjustment to pension in 2019;  20% on pension increase across board .Payment of the review takes effect from January, 2025 payment”

“We pray that God in His infinite mercy will keep our amiable Governor and his family and grant them His abundant benevolence.” The statement read.

E-Signed

Banke Adeyemo

DDESS

LGSPB

The Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board  today commenced payment of One Billion, Six Hundred and Fifty Million naira as  gratuity to another batch of retired local government staff, primary school teachers and death benefits to next of kins  of deceased retirees.

This was made known by the Chairman, Local Government Staff Pension Board,  Hon Akeem Ademola Ige at the flag- off ceremony for the payment exercise held at  St Peter Anglican Church Hall, Aremo, Ibadan.

While delivering his keynote address, the Chairman, Local Government Staff Pension Board, Hon Akeem Ademola Ige said “the present administration under the able leadership of His Excellency, Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde has paid over Twenty Billion Naira out of over  Thirty Six Billion Naira backlog of gratuity inherited from previous administrations”.

Hon Ige further stated that the Governor has increased the monthly allocation of the Board from Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira to Five Hundred Million Naira which has helped to increase the number of beneficiaries on gratuity and death benefits.  He also noted that the governor approved the total sum of One Billion, Six Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (#1,650,000,000.00) for payment of gratuity and death benefits to this batch of beneficiaries both retired primary school teachers and local government retirees.

Furthermore, Hon Ige said “the new policy of monthly payment of gratuity and death benefits will now commence as from January 2025. We are assuring you that the modalities for monthly payment across the Local Government Areas will still continue. This is meant to make life more meaningful to our esteemed senior citizens, fast track the payment, increase beneficiaries and improve standard of living”.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Lukman Akinola Muraina  said “beneficiaries will receive alert of their gratuity and death benefits on their mobile phones and implored them to continue to support and cooperate with the present government in Oyo State in order to continue to enjoy more dividends of democracy.

In their various goodwill messages, the State Chairman and Secretary, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Council,  represented by the Assistant Secretary, Comrade Banji Kolesoso, State Chairman, NUP , retired primary school teachers wing ,  Com Dosu Akinpelu and State Chairman,  NUP,  Local Government Staff Wing, Com Dr Taiwo Ayanlowo expressed gratitude to the Governor of Oyo State , Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde for implementing various pensioners’ welfare policies since assumption of office in May 2019 till date. They also urged the beneficiaries to spend their money wisely and warned them to be wary of fraudsters and prayed for Engr Seyi Makinde led Government.

In their separate responses , some of the beneficiaries,  Pastor Olutunde  Adegbola Oladeji,  Mrs Eniola Serifat  Olufunke and Mr Akande Gbolagade Ismail thanked the Governor for the kind gesture.

E-Signed

Banke Adeyemo

DDESS

LGSPB

The Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board,  Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige has rewarded some members of staff for their outstanding performances in the discharge of their duties for the month of October,  2024.

While presenting gifts to some members of staff of the Board during the monthly coordination meeting, Hon. Ige emphasized the need  for entire members of staff to always relate with pensioners with respect, humility, patience and love. Noting that they are senior citizens who had served the State  meritoriously.

Describing the duties of the Board as humanitarian services  which need to be delivered with joy, the chairman said  “Local Government Staff Pension Board is one the best Boards in Oyo State that attracts appreciation and commendation from people especially pensioners because we promote Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration positively through our improved  service delivery”.

Hon. Ige further stated that he operates an open door policy which encourages mutual understanding, good working relationship and love between the management and staff most especially with him in order to continue to record success.

According to him “I operate an open door policy and I want all members of staff to have free access to me to discuss issues pertaining to your personal progress and the Board as a whole. Also, the gifts are meant to encourage and motivate staff to continue to be more effective and efficient in the discharge of your duties”.

In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary,  Alhaji Lukman Akinola Muraina commended entire members of staff of the Board for being  hardworking,  discipline and efficient. “I want to use this medium to to commend you for being hardworking, honest, fantastic and loyal. Continue in that manner because it pays. This is a winning team that is projecting the good image of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency,  Eng. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde. Don’t relent because there is reward for efficiency and commitment to duties”, he said.

In their various contributions on behalf of staff, the NULGE Chairman, LGSPB branch, Com. Ademola Adedokun, Mrs. Lamidi Funmilayo,  Mrs.  Arowolo Sakirat,  Miss Lasisi Oladayo, Mr Azeez Ademola and Mrs Tejuosho Bukola appreciated the authority of the Board for prioritizing workers welfare and presented some of their requests for urgent attention.

Staff that received reward for the month of October, 2024 are Pastor Ayodele Aderibigbe (LGSPB Ambassador), Mr Shakiru Ogunmola (Most Hardworking Staff of  the Month 1), Mr Yinka Ajasa (Most Hardworking Staff of the Month 11) , Mrs Yetunde Olatunji (Most Well Dressed  Female Staff of the Month) and  Mr Adeleye  Isiaka (Most Well Dressed Male Staff of the Month).

Ambassador Ayodele Aderibigbe on behalf of the awardees later appreciated the authority of the Board for the recognition and promised to do more.

Also, Special prayers were  offered for birthday celebrants for the month of October ( Mrs Adeyemo Temitayo,  Director of Finance and Supplies and Mr Adegoke Adeniyi,  Driver)

Director of Administration and General Services, Mr Kehinde Fasola, Director of Budget,  Planning,  Research and Statistics Mrs Comfort Ayodele, Internal Auditor Mr Taiwo Alade, Deputy Director of Administration and General Services, Mrs Olamide Olanrewaju and other Principal Officers were in attendance at the meeting.

E-Signed

Banke Adeyemo

DDESS

Alepata of Igboholand,  His Royal Majesty Oba Dr Joel Olalere Olawuwo (JP)  Olasoroogan IV has commended the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency,  Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde for payment of gratuity to retired public primary school teachers and local government staff since he assumed office in May 2019.

His Royal Majesty,  Oba Dr Joel Olalere Olawuwo who retired  from Migrant Farmers Primary School Lasi 1, Igboho on 30th  February, 2019 appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for implementing  various workers and pensioners welfare packages in which he is also a beneficiary.

The royal father also noted that retirees are happy under the present administration. “We   receive our  full monthly pension on the 25th of every month, fifteen thousand wage award, ten thousand naira Christmas bonus just to mention a few out of the numerous packages retirees are enjoying under this present government”, he said.

Oba Dr. Joel Olalere Olawuwo also gave kudos to the Governor for constructing  beautiful and befitting Local Government House and Staff Training School buildings. Describing the feat  as a great  legacy. According to him “the office complex and staff training school are conducive for workers and will surely motivate workers to be more efficient and effective which will in turn improve their  productivity.

The Chairman, Local Government Staff Pension Board , Hon Akeem Ademola Ige also solicited for support and cooperation of all and sundry especially retirees to continue to support the present administration under the leadership of Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde as he strives to take the pacesetter State to the next level.

E signed

Banke Adeyemo

DDESS

LGSPB

The Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board Hon Akeem Ademola Ige has applauded the Executive Governor of Oyo State,  His Excellency, Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde for the construction, completion and commissioning of the new Ultra modern Local Government House,  Staff Training School and conversion of Adhoc Staff to  permanent staff.

While delivering his goodwill message at the commissioning ceremony,   Hon Akeem Ige commended the Governor for being workers and pensioners friendly, the chairman said it is indeed a new dawn in the pacesetter State.

Noting that the Local Government Service Commission has  been a tenant in the Water Corporation building for the past forty two years and that  Governor Seyi Makinde deemed it fit to provide a more conducive  working environment with state of the art facilities   to enhance workers productivity by constructing such a magnificent family house to accommodate  Local Government Staff Pension Board, Local Government Service Commission and Ministry of Local Government Staff.

Hon Akeem Ademola Ige also expressed gratitude to the Governor for his magnanimity for granting  approval for the conversation of Adhoc Staff to Permanent Staff.  He noted that this is a testament that the Governor listens to yearnings and aspirations of the people.

The  chairman also said in addition to various monumental infrastructural projects embarked upon by  the present administration, he thanked the Governor for donating his monthly salary to Pensioners since  2019 , prompt payment of salary and pension on the 25th of every month,  payment of inherited backlog of gratuity, increase in monthly allocation from Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira to Five Hundred Million Naira, Twenty Five Thousand Naira wage award to workers while  pensioners  also get  Fifteen Thousand Naira, Ten Thousand Naira christmas bonus and many more.

Hon Ige therefore  thanked Deputy National Chairman South of Peoples Democratic Party , Ambassador,  Taofeek Arapaja,  former Deputy Governors Alake Adeyemo, Hassim Gbolarumi, Engr  Hamid Gbadamosi, the Speaker of the House, Right Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin, Chief Judge ,  Secretary to the State Government,  Head of Service,  Honourable Commissioners, traditional rulers, religious leaders, Local Government Chairmen, Chairmen of Commissions,  Boards and Parastals,  Special Advisers, Chieftains of the People’s Democratic Party,  National NULGE President and other  eminent personalities that graced  the occasion.

E signed

Mrs Banke Adeyemo

Head of  Information Unit

Local Government Staff Pension Board

The  various union leaders in Oyo State,  the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) have applauded the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde for granting approval for the sensitization training programme for prospective retirees of public primary school teachers and Local Government staff.

The commendation was given by the union leaders at the end of a 2-Day Sensitization Training Programme for Prospective Retirees that will retire from July to December 2024 which was held across all the seven geo-political zones in the pacesetter state between Monday, 15th July – Tuesday 6th, August 2024.

Comrades  Ayobami Adeogun (NULGE),  Adedeji Adekunle (AOPSHON), Abolade Isiaka,  Segun Abatan (NUP)  and  Raji Oladimeji said the programme was unprecedented, first of its kind, highly impactful, an eye opener for all the participants. Describing Governor Seyi Makinde as a true friend of both workers and pensioners in Oyo State.

Earlier in his closing speech at the end of the sensitization training programme which took place at Ibarapa Zone, the Chairman, Local Government Staff Pension Board, Hon Akeem Ademola Ige appreciated the Governor for being workers and pensioners friendly through his welfare packages, he also commended all the resource persons the practical interface and interaction with all the participants in the seven geo-political zones.

“I want to use this medium to thank His Excellency Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde for granting the approval for this training programme and also appreciate our resource persons for your commitment” he said.

Hon Akeem Ademola Ige then appealed to all the participants/ beneficiaries of the training programme to make judicious use of knowledge gained and pass the information to others.

However, the Permanent Secretary Alhaji Lukman Akinola Muraina also thanked the Governor, participants and the Board team that went round all the seven geo-political zones.

E-Signed

Banke Adeyemo

DDESS

LGSPB

Prospective retirees of primary school teachers and local government staff that are due for retirement from July to December 2024 have been admonished  to make proper plans for their retirement lives.

The admonition was given by the Chairman,  Local Government Staff Pension Board Hon Akeem Ademola Ige while  delivering his keynote address at the 2-Day Sensitization Training Programme for Prospective Retirees in Oke Ogun zones 1 & 2 held at Iseyin Town Hall,  Iseyin and Saki East LG, Ago Amodu respectively. He noted that the training programme which is decentralized in all the seven geo-political zones in Oyo State with the theme “Towards Achieving Hitch-Free Processing of Retirement Benefits”

He emphasized that the training programme is in line with the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde’s commitment to pensioners welfare. He stated that this is in addition to regular, prompt payment of pension in the 25th of every month, payment of over eighteen billion naira out of over thirty six billion naira inherited backlog of gratuity from previous administrations.

He stated further that the Governor increased monthly amount from  two hundred and fifty million to Five hundred million, reinstatement and payment of accrued arrears of all pensioners that missed various screening verification exercises back into monthly payroll among others and now in his magnanimity approved training programme for prospective retirees.

Hon Ige therefore enjoined prospective retirees to prepare and plan adequately for life after retirement.

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Staff Pension Board Alhaji Lukman Akinola Muraina advised them to adhere strictly to the rules, regulations, laws guiding the procedure of processing their retirement benefits.

Similarly, the Chairman, House Committee on Establishment and Pension, Hon Lukman Jimoh Ishola representing Oorelope constituency and the Executive Chairman, Saki East LG Hon Prince Adedokun Emmanuel Oladokun gave kudos to the Governor for various pensioners welfare packages since assumption of office in May 2019.

In their insightful  lectures, the highly experienced resource persons which include Former Commissioner, Ministry of Establishment and Training who is now the Special Adviser to the Governor on Establishment and Training Alhaji Siju Lawal,   the retired Auditor General for Local Government Mr. Sola Akinola  Acing Auditor General for Local Government Mrs Fasilat,  Rahman, OYSHIA Executive Secretary Dr. Sola Akande, Permanent Secretary, Min of Establishment and Training Mr. Mahmud Olujide Okesade.

Others include Director of Personal, SUBEB, Mrs. Adegbenjo Omolara  Principal Accountant, LGSPB, Pastor Ayodele Aderibigbe and Deputy Director Office of Auditor General for Local Government, Mr Tunji Akinsanya all corroborated pension Board chairman by giving  the prospective retirees procedure for processing of their retirement benefits, tips, strategies to a peaceful and healthy retirement life.

In their various goodwill messages,  Executives of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Nigeria Union Teachers (NUT), Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE)  all commended the state governor and Pension Board for organizing the sensitization training programme.

All the participants appreciated the Governor and the management of the Pension Board for the training programme.

E-Signed

Banke Adeyemo

DDESS

LGSPB

Prospective retirees of both primary school teachers and local government staff have been warned to desist from patronising touts, agents and intermediaries in the processing of their retirement benefits.

The warning was given by the Chairman, Local Government Staff Pension Board,  Hon Akeem Ademola Ige during the 2-Day Sensitization Training Programme for public primary school teachers and local government staff that are due for retirement between July and December 2024 held in Oyo and Ogbomoso Zones which is a continuation of the training that was declared open by the State Head of Service Mrs Olubunmi Oni on Monday 15th July , 2024 at  House of Chiefs Parliament Building Secretariat,  Ibadan.

While highlighting some of the dangers inherent in patronising agents,  Hon Akeem Ademola Ige decried the rate at which  they deceitfully extort money from prospective retirees which necessitated the reason for organising the sensitization training programme across the seven geo-political zones in Oyo State.

He further stated that the image of the agencies involved in the  processing of retirement benefits is being tarnished, hence the need to curb extortionists

In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Staff Pension Board Alhaji Lukman Akinola Muraina said the training programme is  first of its kind was organized to sensitize prospective retirees that are due for retirement from July – December  2024 in order to have a hitch free processing of their retirement benefits.

Highly experienced resource persons delivered various impactful topics ranging from the Roles of Agencies involved in the Processing of Retirement Benefits,  Existing Laws, Rules , Regulations and Circulars on Pension Administration,  Transition from Active Service to Retirement Life: Tips and Strategy for Survival and other life changing topics.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries of the training programme, Mr Yemi Olona and Mr Gbadamosi Animashaun thanked Local Government Staff Pension Board for organizing the programme which they described as an eye opener.

Among dignitaries that graced the training programme in Oyo and Ogbomoso zones include  Special Adviser to the Governor on Establishment and Training Alhaji Siju Lawal, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism Hon Seyi Bolanle, Special Assistant to the Governor on Oyo Federal Constituency Hon  Akin Alawode, PDP party chieftains,  top officials of SUBEB, LGSPB, Auditor General for LG, Heads of Local Government Administration,  Executives of NULGE NUT,  NUP and AOPSHON.

E Signed

Banke Adeyemo

DDESS

LGSPB