The Commissioner for Labour, Productivity and Human Capital Development, Hon. Wole-Adewumi has again assured elderly citizens in Ekiti State that the Social Security Scheme initiated by Dr. Kayode Fayemi for them would be sustained by the present administration and others coming after it.
The Commissioner gave the assurance while monitoring the payment of March, 2012 stipend to old people in the State. Hon. Adewumi disclosed that over 10,000 indigent citizens are benefiting from the scheme since October, 2011, while additional 10,000 elderly citizens would benefit in the next round which will commence from May 1, this year.
He said that the scheme will gulp about a hundred million naira monthly when the second phase commences while the passage and assent of Mr. Governor of the bill providing the services would ensure its sustainability.
During the monitoring exercise, the Commissioner visited homes of beneficiaries who could not be physically present at the payment centers to receive their stipend while the Commissioner and his entourage were welcomed with great ovation at the various centres.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to newsmen described the scheme as novel. An old man who has an eye defect, Chief Edward Ogundele of Esure Ekiti commended Dr. Fayemi for introducing the scheme, adding that the N5,000 monthly stipend has been sustaining him.
Mrs. Adeleye, also from Esure told the Commissioner that she had never had it so good with any government, giving recognition to old people in the society since she was born.
At Iloro Ekiti, Pa Joseph Oluwanisola said that the gesture of the Governor to extend the benefit to him despite his political difference has changed his mind set about politics, saying that, he would garner support for the success of the administration of Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
Last modified: April 3, 2012