… Says Pensioners Are Paid As At When Due
The upward review of salary announced by Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State for Public Servants has no political undertone as the election is still a bit far away from now.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso stated this while responding to questions during his appearance on Arise TV programme on Wednesday, adding that it is a routine exercise in the State as the governor prioritises the welfare of all public servants.
He reminded viewers that the present administration had done a similar increment upon assumption of office more than three years ago and no one read political meaning to the gesture, stressing that the sum of N1Billion is also being set aside by the State Government monthly to clear the backlog of pension payments which has been done except for the Y2021.
Omotoso averred that the clearance of the backlog is to ensure that pensioners who have served the State diligently enjoy their retirement while those on the job will go home with their retirement package as they exit the service, maintaining that except for servicing the backlog, the State Government is not owing pensioners
He noted that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been committed to building human capacity and infrastructural facilities to serve the good people of the State, and as a financial management expert, he has combined all the various interests competing for funds and allocated the resources in a fair and equitable manner.
Omotoso said all the State Government expects from the salary increment, allocation of vehicles to Directors and increasing the fleet of staff buses, is to see a team of happy, dedicated public servants who are tech savvy and committed to making the State public service, 21st century-compliant.
Residents of Lagos State, according to the Commissioner, should expect more new public schools, hospitals, transportation infrastructure, affordable houses, inclusive agriculture programmes, and a lot more as outlined in the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda of the State Government.
“The months ahead will witness more commissioning of projects as about 30 new schools amongst others await commissioning by Mr. Governor”, Omotoso stated.
