By Awwal Umar Kontagora Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has flagged off the payment of outstanding gratuity to retirees in Nige...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has flagged off the payment of outstanding gratuity to retirees in Niger State.
The program, which took place at the Niger State Pension Board in Minna, had in attendance the first batch of beneficiaries who received their cheques in various sums.
The governor disclosed that the first batch of beneficiaries, comprising three hundred and thirty-five (335) senior citizens who retired between 2003 and 2005, received cheques totalling about five hundred million naira (#500,000,000).
The governor said pensioners who retired under the local government would be issued cheques as soon as encumbrances surrounding the list of beneficiaries are resolved. He added that the payment would be done in batches and advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money to improve their lives. "I want to advise you not to allow anyone to push you against the government. Don't listen to rumours because the government is a continuum."
In his opening remarks, the Director General of the State Pension Board, Alh. Nasiru Saidu Namaska appreciated the governor for the courage taken and the priority given to the pension board for the payment of the outstanding gratuity since 2003.
Nasiru Saidu Namaska described the disbursements of the gratuities as a significant event that reflects the unwavering commitment to honouring the services and dedication of the retirees. He stated that the pensioners are the backbone of the state's development, and their years of hard work, dedication, and service have significantly contributed to the progress and prosperity of the state, thus deserving honour, dignity, respect, and financial security.
He assured that the payment process would be conducted with the highest standards of integrity and efficiency.
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