Osun: We Have Paid ₦80 Billion Pension Debt – Adeleke

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said his administration paid more than ₦80 billion in inherited pension liabilities and cleared over two-thirds of outstanding half-salary arrears owed workers in the state.

Naija News reports that Adeleke disclosed this on Tuesday during the Arise TV town hall meeting for candidates contesting the August 15 governorship election.

The governor, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party, said his administration had surpassed expectations, particularly in the area of workers’ welfare.

He recalled that when he assumed office in 2022, the state was faced with significant financial obligations, including accumulated pension liabilities and salary arrears.

Adeleke said addressing the challenges faced by public servants and pensioners remained one of the achievements he was most proud of.

“I’m proud of all I have achieved in the last four years. But specifically, I am happy about workers’ welfare. We did a lot to redeem our pensioners and workers in Osun State,” he said.

According to him, improving the condition of workers and senior citizens was a major responsibility of government.

Adeleke said, “I’m truly happy about how we addressed the problems and challenges facing Osun public workers. The pensioners, senior citizens, are happy with me. The workers love me.

“The first job of a government is the welfare of the people. I fulfilled that responsibility.”

The governor said the financial situation inherited by his administration initially made clearing the accumulated obligations appear difficult.

He, however, maintained that his government demonstrated that such challenges could be addressed with political commitment.

He said, “It was not possible to pay the accumulated half-salary and pension debts, but I’ve shown the world that if there is political will, difficult issues can be resolved.

“Our government has paid over two-thirds of the half-salary debt. We have paid over ₦80 billion of inherited pension debt.”

Adeleke also said his administration introduced reforms in the state public service and implemented other measures aimed at improving workers’ welfare.

The Governor added, “We have reformed the public service. I’ve also implemented several measures for workers’ welfare.

“Osun workers appreciate it. They’ve endorsed me for re-election.”