Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State said on Saturday that workers in the state service would be paid the new N70,000 minimum wage while consequential adjustments would be added to pensions.

Mr Oyebanji announced this during the 2024 Pensioners’ Day, held in Ado Ekiti, which marks the beginning of activities for the Second Anniversary of his administration.

The governor said his administration was resolved to make life better for the people, adding, “The minimum wage has become a law binding on all states.”

At the occasion, Mr Oyebanji presented cheques of N3.5 billion to 829 pensioners who retired between 2014 and March 2015.

He highlighted some programmes initiated for senior citizens, including a free health insurance scheme for pensioners.

Mr Oyebanji explained that over N70 billion had been released in defraying the payment of gratuities and urged the retirees to continue to pray for the success of his administration.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) chairman in the state, Kolapo Olatunji, showered encomium on the Mr Oyebanji-led government for bringing succour and hope to the retirees.

The state head of service, Folakemi Olomojobi, thanked the pensioners for supporting the government over the years.

Also, the national chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Godwin Abumisi, represented by Ayo Ikumapayi, and the state chairman of the union, Joel Akinola, lauded the various efforts of the governor, pledging their continued support for his administration.

(NAN)