Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has approved a 100 per cent increase in gratuity payments for retirees in the state, raising the allocation from ₦1.5 billion to ₦3 billion.
The development was confirmed on Friday by the Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Oyo State, Mr Aribatise Adebayo, in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan.
Adebayo said the decision reflected the governor’s continued commitment to the welfare of workers and retirees, describing the move as a significant boost to social security for former public servants in the state.
According to him, the increase in gratuity payments further reinforces the cordial relationship between the Makinde administration and organised labour, noting that the governor has consistently demonstrated a worker-friendly disposition since assuming office.
He also commended the governor for sustaining the payment of the 13th-month salary to workers, a policy he said has now been implemented for the seventh consecutive year.
“The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) in Oyo State sincerely appreciates the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his commendable and worker-friendly gestures,” the statement read.
“We particularly commend the Governor for increasing the proposed gratuity payment from ₦1.5 billion to ₦3 billion, a decision that demonstrates his deep commitment to the welfare of retirees.
“We also applaud the consistent payment of the 13th-month salary, which has now been paid for the seventh time, as well as the prompt release of subventions.
These actions reaffirm the governor’s dedication to the well-being of workers and retirees and his support for industrial harmony in Oyo State.”
Meanwhile, Governor Makinde has urged residents of Oyo State to embrace love, peace and vigilance during the Christmas season.
In a Christmas message released on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor congratulated Christians in the state and across the country, describing Christmas as a season that symbolises love and selflessness, as exemplified by the birth of Jesus Christ.
Makinde called on Christians to reflect the essence of the celebration by living in harmony with one another and showing love to their neighbours, in line with Christian teachings.
He also advised residents to remain security-conscious during the festive period, stressing that safety remains a shared responsibility between the government and the people.
The governor encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities to security agencies through the Oyo State Citizen Emergency Number, 615, reiterating the administration’s “if you see something, say something” policy.
“As a government, we have been up to the task in terms of securing the state, but there is still a role for residents to play,” Makinde said, assuring that reports made through the emergency line would trigger a rapid response from security agencies.
He concluded by wishing residents a peaceful Christmas celebration and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the safety and welfare of all citizens