By OUR REPORTER
Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano, onSaturday, flagged-off the first tranche of settlement of death benefits to deceased civil servants and gratuity of pensioners to about 6,000 beneficiaries, who exited from the civil service between 2016 and 2019 totalling N6 billion.
It will be recalleded that the period being settled covers the time Mr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje reigned as governor of the state that is revered for being the Nigeria’s second economic nerve centre.
It was gathered that the latest action of Governor Yusuf was in fullfilment of one of the campaign promises as contained in his blueprint.
Delivering his address at an elaborate occasion that was held at Coronation Hall Government House, Kano, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf said the payment was possible despite meagre resources, inherited empty treasury and competing developmental projects as the government had blocked leakages of public funds siphoning and more viable projects for people of the state.
Alhaji Yusuf said his administration was highly concerned with the plight of pensioners especially those at the lower level as they are the end receipients of the economic hardship occasion by the removal of fuel Subsidy in the country.
The governor added that to ensure the continuation of the settlement of the backlog, N10 billion was proposed in the state next year’s budget for more inclusion of gratuity and death benefits of bereaved families of deceaseds civil servants to enjoy their legitimate entitlements.
He made a clarion call to the receivers of the funds, to make judicious use of what they collected and invest wisely in lawful businesses for more incomes to cater for their day to day needs and other necessities of life.
In his submission, the Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, appreciated the selection of beneficiaries with not more than N3 million at the state level, N1.5 million at local government level all within grade level 1-6.
The Executive Chairman of Kano State Pension Trustees Fund, Alhaji Habu Muhammad Fagge, said the commencement of liquidating the backlog and ensure prompt payment of gratuity and death benefits was a clear indication of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s zeal to better the lives of pensioners and provide succur to the families of deceased civil servants.
