Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the payment of ₦204.3 million in death benefits to the families of civil servants who died while in active service, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

According to PUNCH, the funds were presented to beneficiaries in Osogbo through the state’s Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, who represented the governor at the cheque distribution ceremony.

The approved sum of ₦204,275,209.80 includes ₦125.63 million for beneficiaries at the state level and ₦78.64 million for those at the local government level.

Speaking through the Head of Service, Adeleke said his administration remained committed to supporting workers and pensioners despite the state’s financial constraints.

He noted that workers’ welfare remains a key pillar of his government’s Five-Point Action Plan, adding that significant progress has been made since he assumed office.

The governor said critics had doubted his promise to prioritise the welfare of civil servants and retirees but maintained that his administration had demonstrated its commitment through action.

Adeleke disclosed that since 2023, the state government has paid a total of ₦882.75 million in death benefits to 184 beneficiaries across the public service.

He also revealed that the administration had approved and released ₦1.87 billion under the Personal Accident Insurance Scheme to clear outstanding claims involving 563 beneficiaries. The payments covered claims accumulated between September 2013 and August 1, 2023.

The governor explained that the Group Life Assurance Policy under the Contributory Pension Scheme was established to provide financial support to the families of workers who die while in service.

Adeleke criticised the previous administration for failing to adequately address outstanding insurance and death benefit obligations, describing the neglect of such claims as unfair to affected families.

He assured workers and pensioners that his government would continue to prioritise their welfare and ensure prompt payment of legitimate entitlements.