In fulfillment of one of the campaign promises as contained in his blueprint, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state has on Saturday flagged off the first tranche of settlement of death benefits to deceased civil servants and gratuity of pensioners to about six thousand (6,000) beneficiaries who exited from the civil service and deceased workers between 2016 and 2019 totaling billion Naira at an elaborate occasion that was held at Coronation Hall Government House.
Delivering his address at the event, Governor Yusuf said the payment was possible despite meager 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.
Yusuf said his administration was highly concerned with the plight of pensioners especially those at the lower level as they are the end recipients of the economic hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel Subsidy in the country.
The Governor added that to ensure the continuation of the settlement of the backlog, 10 billion naira was proposed in the state’s next year’s budget for more inclusion of gratuity and death benefits of bereaved families of deceased 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 income to cater to 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 3 million at the state level, 1.5 million at local governments’ levels 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 ensuring 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 assistance to the families of deceased civil servants.
