The Lagos State Government has again paid the total sum of N364,982,210.39 to the first batch of beneficiaries of deceased staff of Local Government and State Universal Basic Education Board,SUBEB.
The payment which came through the presentation of insurance benefits, according to the government was in line with its commitment to continually uplift the welfare of its staff.
Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Dr Wale Ahmed said that the presentation of insurance benefits to 159 members of family of late employees of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, LASUBEB and Local Government Service Commission was another promise kept by the Sanwo-Olu administration.
While speaking at the event, the Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Morenike Kikelomo Sanyaolu stated that the payment of insurance benefits to families of deceased staffs was one of several welfare packages of the State Government for its workforce.
Ahmed charged the beneficiaries to honour the deceased members of staff by ensuring that the benefits collected are wisely invested to cater for the family members of the deceased.
“The State Government recognises its workforce as the engine room and drivers of all its policies, and the contribution of every employee of the state government was germane to achieving the greater Lagos initiative.
“The beneficiaries should keep the dreams and visions of their beloved deceased alive by ensuring that the premium is beneficial to the dependants so they could grow to become respectable citizens of our society, urging them to restrain themselves from spending the claims on frivolity,” he said
Commendations
Managing Director, LASACO Assurance PLC, Mr Rasaq Abiodun commended the good gesture of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for the consistent payment of insurance benefits to its employees, saying that the gesture has helped in actualising the aspirations of the families and dependants of some government officials who died in the course of their career in the State Public Service.
He mentioned that his company had been paying the insurance premium benefits to the families of deceased Local Government Councils and State Universal Basic Educational Board Staff since 2009 as a result of prompt payment of premium by the state government to LASACO.
Mark of honor
In his remarks, the Chairman of SUBEB, Wahab Alawiye King represented by Mrs. Adenike Odusanya said that the presentation was meant to honour the departed souls who had worked tirelessly to make Lagos State a better place for the living.
He affirmed that the presentation of insurance benefits to the beneficiaries of the deceased further demonstrated the State Government’s resolve to pay all entitlements and dues to its staff. He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the payment to the benefit of deceased dependants.
Others who spoke at the event include the Managing Director of Haggai Insurance, Mr. Segun Amure who commended the State Government for its prompt payment of premium claims to families of primary school teachers.
He said that the payment by the state government consistently had ensured that the dependants left behind would not suffer.
According to him, “As far as I know with payment of premium to beneficiaries of the deceased, it is only the Lagos State Government in the federation that has been consistent with this scheme”.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director for Local Government Administration, Mr. Razak Amodu counselled the beneficiaries to be truthful, and pay particular attention to the needs and education of deceased children, stressing that, their deaths must not be in vain.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Dr. Akpezi Benjamin Etobro praised the State Government for the payment of the insurance benefits to them as beneficiaries.
He said that they have all heard the purpose and the responsibility of the rewards to them, and promised that they would all use the payment for the dependants’ welfare and progress in life.
Confidence Okwuchi
