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, 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 would ensure a seamless and secured payment process, free from any potential disruptions.
Olayiwola disclosed that the initiative would 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 was 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.
Responding, the State Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Chapter, Dr. Olusegun Abatan, underscored the advantages of e-payment for retirees, emphasizing its ability to enhance security, accuracy, and speed in the distribution of gratuities.
Abatan lauded Makinde for prompt disbursement of funds on gratuities since assuming office as the state governor in 2019.
During his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments and Training, Olajide Mamud Okesade expressed gratitude to the governor, 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.