Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the payment of N1 billion as gratuity to retirees in the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said that the approval was part of efforts to offset backlog of outstanding gratuities.

Oyebode in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Friday, “The payment is in fulfillment of the governor’s promise to prioritise welfare and wellbeing of workers and pensioners in the statAe, as well as his pledge to put in place an arrangement to offset backlog of gratuities owed by previous administrations”.

He stated that governor urged the senior citizens remain calm and optimistic as government is committed to prioritising their welfare, having contributed to the development of the state during their active years.

Recall that Oyebanji said at a stakeholder’s programme in Lagos late last month that his administration had paid “over N14b in pension.