Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State announced on Saturday that employees in the state service will be paid a new minimum wage of N70,000, along with consequential adjustments to pensions.
The governor made this declaration during the 2024 Pensioners’ Day celebration in Ado Ekiti, which also marks the commencement of events for the second anniversary of his administration.
“The minimum wage has become a law binding on all states,” Oyebanji stated, reaffirming his commitment to enhancing the living standards of the people.
At the event, Mr. Oyebanji presented cheques totaling N3.5 billion to 829 pensioners who retired between 2014 and March 2015. He also highlighted various initiatives aimed at supporting senior citizens, including a free health insurance scheme for pensioners.
The governor explained that over N70 billion has been allocated to settle gratuities, urging retirees to continue to pray for the success of his administration.
Kolapo Olatunji, the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ekiti, praised the Oyebanji-led government for providing hope and support to retirees.
Folakemi Olomojobi, the state head of service, expressed gratitude to the pensioners for their longstanding support of the government. Additionally, Godwin Abumisi, the national chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), represented by Ayo Ikumapayi, along with the state union chairman, Joel Akinola, commended the governor’s various efforts and pledged their continued support for his administration.
