By John Dike, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has approved the payment of N204.3 million as death benefits to the families of civil servants who died while in active service in the state.
The cheque presentation was held in Osogbo on Monday, where the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, represented the governor and handed over the benefits to beneficiaries.
According to the state government, the approved sum of N204,275,209.80 comprises N125,631,083.45 for beneficiaries at the state level and N78,644,126.35 for beneficiaries at the local government level.
Speaking at the event, Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers and pensioners despite prevailing economic challenges.
“My commitment to workers’ and pensioners’ welfare remains unshaken despite the financial challenges facing the state,” the governor said.
He noted that prioritising workers’ welfare remains a key pillar of his administration’s Five-Point Action Plan, adding that significant progress has been made in fulfilling that promise.
“When we clearly stated our intention to make workers’ and pensioners’ welfare our number one priority, many doubted us. Today, by the grace of God, we have demonstrated that we are a government that matches words with action,” Adeleke stated.
The governor disclosed that since 2023, his administration has paid a total of N882.75 million in death benefits to 184 beneficiaries across the state public service.
He further revealed that the government had approved and released N1.87 billion under the Personal Accident Insurance Scheme to settle outstanding claims involving 563 beneficiaries covering the period between September 2013 and August 2023.
Adeleke explained that the Group Life Assurance Policy under the Contributory Pension Scheme was designed to provide financial support to the families of workers who die while in active service.
He assured civil servants and pensioners that his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare and ensure the prompt payment of all legitimate entitlements.
The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the state government, describing the gesture as timely support that would help cushion the impact of losing their loved ones.
