₦204m Payment for Deceased Osun Civil Servants' Families — Adeleke Approves

In a move to demonstrate his administration's commitment to the welfare of workers and pensioners, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has given his approval for the disbursement of ₦204,275,209.80 to the families of civil servants who passed away while in active service. This payment, which was presented to the beneficiaries in Osogbo, is part of the state government's efforts to fulfill its promises to workers and pensioners despite the financial challenges facing the state. The Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, represented the governor at the cheque distribution ceremony. According to the state government, the amount is made up of ₦125,631,083.45 for beneficiaries at the state level and ₦78,644,126.35 for those at the local government level. Governor Adeleke, through the Head of Service, addressed the beneficiaries, reaffirming his administration's focus on fulfilling its promises. He noted that the welfare of workers and retirees is a key component of his administration's Five-Point Action Plan and expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far. The governor stated, 'My commitment to workers' and pensioners' welfare remains unshaken despite the financial challenges facing the state.' He also mentioned that when his administration outlined its desire to prioritize the welfare of the workforce and pensioners in the Five-Point Action Plan, critics doubted the feasibility of this pledge. However, the governor stated that significant progress has been made, demonstrating his administration's commitment to its promises. Since 2023, the Adeleke administration has paid a total of ₦882,752,717.50 in death benefits to 184 beneficiaries across the state public service. Additionally, under the Personal Accident Insurance Scheme, the government has 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. The governor explained that the Group Life Assurance Policy under the Contributory Pension Scheme is designed to provide financial support to families of workers who die in service. He criticized the previous administration for its failure to adequately address outstanding insurance and death benefit obligations, describing the refusal to settle such claims as 'inhumane and uncharitable.' The governor assured workers and pensioners that his administration would continue to prioritize their welfare and ensure that legitimate entitlements are paid promptly.