The Oyo State Government on Wednesday cancelled the collection of N4,000 administrative fee for retireee, a move aimed at alleviating financial burdens on civil servants.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, citing Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to enhancing retirees’ welfare.

Olayiwola added that previously, retirees were required to pay N4000 to access the retirement form at the Ministry of Establishments and Training. However, with the Governor’s directive, an electronic form has been designed online at no cost to retirees.

He stated that this decision reflects the Governor’s efforts to prioritize retirees’s well-being, adding that the Executive Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde increased the gratuity payment to N500million monthly from the N250million been paid previously which has jacked up the number of retirees that receive their gratuity monthly , seamless and problem free.

Olayiwola emphasised that the abolition of the fee is a significant step towards reducing financial stress on retirees. It has also underscores the Government’s dedication to streamlining process and eliminating unnecessary costs.

He recalled that recently Oyo State Government initiated e-payment of gratuity benefits which is a seamless and secure transactions adding that the developments demonstrate the administration’s focus on promoting retirees’s welfare and well-being.

The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olajide Okesade appreciated the abolishment of the form as lessening financial bondage on retirees and demonstrating genuine concern for retirees’s welfare.

The Oyo State Government says it has begun the payment of gratuity benefits to retirees via e-payment.

The State Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, announced this development during a three-day symbolic data capturing and e-payment exercise for retirees at the Nigeria Union of Pensioners’ Building in Agbarigo, Onireke, Ibadan.

The Commissioner told the retirees that this will ensure a seamless and secured payment process, free from any potential disruptions.

Olayiwola disclosed that the initiative will involve capturing and validating retirees data from June 2014 to December 2014 and June 2019 to December 2019, to start-off, while arrangements to capture other retirees promptly have also been made.

He assured pensioners that Governor Seyi Makinde is fully committed to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Chapter, and other relevant stakeholders to improve the lives of retirees and all citizens of the State.

Dr. Olusegun Abatan, the State Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Chapter, underscored the advantages of e-payment for retirees, emphasizing its ability to enhance security, accuracy, and speed in the distribution of gratuities.

He lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for prompt disbursement of funds on gratuities since assuming office as the Governor of Oyo State in 2019.

During his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments and Training, Mr Olajide Mamud Okesade expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde, the Head of Service, the Commissioner for consistently and promptly disbursing Wage Awards to retirees and Civil Servants and other dividends.

He highlighted the benefits of e-payment, including increased security, faster access to funds, and the elimination of risks and elimination of delays associated with physical checks, such as theft or loss.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Establishments and Traning, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi has called for Unity and Cooperation among staff, to bring development to the Ministry and the State at large.

Hon. Adeniyi made this known, during the New Year prayer, held at the Ministry  on Thursday, he said, development can only be accomplished by collective effort of all members of staff.

He also promised to continue to make the Ministry an enabling environment in order to have better service delivery.

In the same vein, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olajide OKESADE corroborating the Hon. Commissioner’s remarks, appealed to members of staff to be dedicated as they have been noted for.

Speaking further, OKESADE assured the Commissioner of the full support of the staff.

He enjoined the staff to avoid any form of illegal practices in the discharge of their duties.