The Yobe State Government has announced the full settlement of outstanding gratuities owed to retired workers of both the state and local governments, with a total expenditure of over N15.4 billion to clear the accumulated backlog.

The Secretary to the State Government, Baba Wali, disclosed this to newsmen in Damaturu during a press briefing to mark six years of the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni.

According to him, the payments have completely eliminated gratuity arrears inherited by the administration, bringing long-awaited relief to thousands of retirees across the state.

“The settlement of these gratuities underscores the commitment of Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration to workers’ welfare and prudent financial management, despite prevailing economic challenges facing subnational governments,” Wali said.

Beyond the clearance of gratuities, the SSG highlighted that in the area of employment and capacity building, over 6,449 workers were recruited into the state civil service, alongside the organisation of about 35 training programmes for over 6,395 civil servants.

He added that more than 26,000 teachers were trained or retrained, while over 4,000 teaching and non-teaching staff were recruited into primary and secondary schools.

He further disclosed that 25 villages were electrified, electricity extended to over 200 locations, and 24-hour power supply ensured for all general hospitals in the state.

He added that over 300,000 residents had enrolled in the Yobe State Health Insurance Scheme, while drugs worth N2.3 billion were supplied to public health facilities.

Wali said the Buni’s administration remains focused on consolidating its gains and improving service delivery, stressing that the policies and projects executed under Governor Buni were deliberately designed to improve the welfare and living standards of the people of Yobe State.