EXTRA: Don’t donate your gratuities to churches, mosques, Sanwo-Olu advises pensioners

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has urged pensioners in the state to make wise use of their gratuities.

Sanwo-Olu spoke on Thursday during the retirement benefit bond certificate presentation ceremony held in Ikeja.

The ceremony was organised by the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC).

Sanwo-Olu said the state has cleared all pension backlogs with the payment of N4.46 billion to 2,000 retirees.

The Lagos governor congratulated the retirees, noting that they have worked to earn the pension given to them by the state government.

He advised the pensioners not to donate all their money to church and mosque projects.

“Don’t solve all family problems. Don’t let any child now come and say that because you’ve collected your pension, house rent is due,” the Lagos governor said.

“You have given to them and raised them; don’t let them intimidate or threaten you. Don’t let any grandchild bamboozle you.

“Be flexible; it is about you and what you have earned and deserve.

“Don’t donate everything to the church or mosque. Please, I am begging you in the name of God.”

In a statement posted on X after the ceremony, the Lagos governor said his administration is committed to prioritising the welfare of retirees in the state.

The governor said Lagos state has launched a health insurance scheme “tailored specifically” for retirees.

He added that the health scheme will provide a “wide range” of medical services, including routine checkups and specialised treatments.