Kano state governor Alhaji Abba Yusuf, has flagged off the payment of the fourth tranche of gratuity and death benefits for 3,313 beneficiaries of retired workers in the state.
Earlier the governor had disbursed N6 billion in the first tranche, followed by N5 billion each in the second and third tranches, demonstrating a sustained commitment to offsetting the massive debt left by the previous administration.
In his remarks during the flagged ceremony for beneficiaries from 2020-2023 on Thursday, governor Yusuf reiterated his commitment to resolving the years of hardship and futility faced by retirees and their families.
He said “as promised in my campaign to settle the N48bn backlog of unpaid pensioner’s benefits, a cumulative sum of N22bn has so far been settled and promised another tranche of N5bn has been set aside for payment before the end of August”.
According to him, “We are dedicated to ensuring the well-being and welfare of civil servants and retirees in the state. All your entitlement will be paid not only for your benefits but as at when due for the social economic development of our state and the restoration of trust in government,” he said.
While warning that the state will not condoned any dubious or any acts of favoritism while dispensing the benefits, he however solicited for more patience, promising that, the remaining balance will be cleared in subsequent tranches.
The governor also presented a N4.5bn housing check to the chairman of the pension board, Alh Abu Fagge for the benefit of the senior citizens.
In his remarks, the Kano state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Kabiru Inuwa commended the state governor for his efforts towards the welfare of civil servants and retirees in the state.
He said the disbursements of the retirees fund symbolises respect for human and workers lives in the state.
Chairman Nigeria union of pensioners, Shuibu Jibril, thanked the state government for the wonderful gestures that is been accorded the retirees in the state.
He urged the beneficiaries to utilised the money judiciously looking at the economic situation in the country.
Lateefah Ibrahim