By Sani Umar

The dream of every educated person after school is to secure a job, begin an independent life, and raise a family of his own. Being gainfully employed prepares one for a future of self-dependence.

Every young man’s aspiration for a good life and the realization of future goals is tied to a well-paying job.

Once employed, the next challenge is finding satisfaction in the workplace to ensure a meaningful and improved life. However, not all jobs provide the kind of satisfaction that aligns with one’s dreams and expectations.

Workers’ welfare has always been a fundamental issue that often pits labour unions against their employers. Some governments and other employers of labour only pay lip service to workers’ remuneration, welfare, and protection against workplace hazards.

While workers are known to labour diligently to drive economic growth and champion national development, their hard work is often not rewarded with wages commensurate to their productivity. Neither are they provided with an enabling environment that could enhance their well-being and that of their families.

Despite these shortcomings, work continues because of the workers’ statutory responsibility to create wealth and sustain the nation’s economy.

After years of dedicated service, a worker is expected to retire at the stipulated age and be placed on pension, depending on the type of employment he held. In addition to the monthly pension, the worker is also entitled to a gratuity as a token of appreciation for his years of meritorious service.

Unfortunately, many retirees have been subjected to years of hardship and uncertainty due to unpaid gratuities by successive administrations. This ugly trend has pushed many former civil servants into poverty, despite their decades of service to the state.

It is against this background that Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s decision to settle the inherited gratuity liability of ₦15 billion stands out as a historic and humane intervention. His administration’s action is not just about clearing debts; it is about restoring dignity to thousands of retirees who have long awaited the reward of their labour.

By making the payment of gratuities a priority, Governor Ahmed Aliyu has proven his deep concern for the welfare of those who built the foundation of Sokoto’s civil service. His gesture rekindles hope among current workers that their own years of service will not end in misery, but in fulfillment and security.

The payment of gratuity by Governor Ahmed Aliyu is in fulfillment of his campaign promise. To demonstrate how important the issue is to him, a committee was set up shortly after he assumed office, under the chairmanship of the Accountant General, Umar Ahmed Tambuwal. The committee’s report is now being implemented with the allocation of ₦500 million to settle accumulated debts and another ₦300 million for those retiring during his tenure—thus ending years of despair and despondency among retirees.

The meticulous implementation of this laudable plan has brought smiles and renewed hope to retirees and their families, who are now receiving their benefits on a monthly basis. Sadly, some were not fortunate enough to witness this magnanimous gesture of Governor Aliyu, having answered the ultimate call of Allah before their turn came.

Reports from the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Finance indicate that out of about five thousand retirees, two thousand five hundred and seventy-four (2,574) have already received their cheques. In addition, one thousand and one (1,001) who retired since the inception of the administration have also collected theirs.

The outstanding backlog dating back to 2016 is expected to be cleared before the end of next year, thereby bringing to an end the long and tortuous wait for legitimate entitlements. As it stands, workers who retire no longer have to wait endlessly for payment; rather, it is the government that now awaits workers’ retirement in order to pay them promptly.

This humane and proactive gesture by Governor Ahmed Aliyu has endeared him to many retirees, their families, and dependents. It has also created an atmosphere of economic relief, stability, and renewed confidence in the state’s leadership.