The Oyo State Government says it has spent a total sum of N7.5 billion to settle the gratuities of pensioners in the state in the last 18 months of his administration.

Governor Seyi Makinde who made the disclosure in Ibadan during the celebration of Pension Day by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State branch disclosed that pensioners in the state are now able to get their monthly pension and other entitlements promptly more than ever before.

Correspondent Kunle Ojo reports that Makinde who was represented by his Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Bayo Titilola- Sodo, said despite the unfavourable economic situation brought by COVID-19, his administration has continued to ensure prompt payment of gratuities of pensioners in the state.

Makinde assured the pensioners and other workers in the state that his administration would remain committed to the prompt payment of their entitlements.

He called on the pensioners to continue to be hopeful and as well prayed for his administration in order for him to be able to meet their expectations and demands.

Earlier, the Secretary, Oyo State NUP, Olusegun Abatan, commended Makinde for prompt payment of pensioners' monthly pension and arrears in the state.

Abatan said in the past, pensioners in the state were denied their entitlements and their monthly pensions were also been paid in percentages but now they are promptly paid.

He, however, appealed for urgent payment of six and 15 per cent pension arrears and compensation allowances for workers forcefully retired in 2002 during former governor Lam Adeshina's tenure.

The secretary also called for harmonisation of pension, saying pensioners that retired years back received as low as N1,000 per month which cannot buy any reasonable item in this present time.