LASG pays N179m to 70 deceased local govt, SUBEB staff’s relatives

By Ibrahim Adeleke

Lagos State Government has paid a sum of N179 million to relatives of 70 deceased staff members of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Local Government and Local Council Development Areas in the State.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Mrs. Kikelomo Sanyaolu disclosed this during the presentation of insurance benefits to beneficiaries of the deceased SUBEB and Local Government Staff at Ikeja.

According to her, the gesture is to reiterate the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in the regular payment of staff salaries, including payment of premium benefits to the beneficiaries of its staff who died in the course of their service.

Sanyaolu applauded the State Government for its unflinching commitment in ensuring the prompt payment of premium benefits to the beneficiaries of its staff who died in the course of their service.

She added that the present administration has made the presentation of insurance a bi-annual programme, noting that the payment is the first tranche for year 2022.

She further admonished the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the premium benefits given to them by the State Government, whilst encouraging families of the deceased with young dependants to invest in the children’s education and future rather than frivolities.

The Permanent Secretary however commended the Managements of LASACO Assurance Plc and Haggai Insurance Broker for their consistency and professionalism in ensuring regular payment of the premium benefits to the beneficiaries.

The Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Wahab Alawiye King who was represented by, Director of Pensions, Mrs. Adenike Odusanya also commended the State Government for the approval of the payment of premium benefits to the beneficiaries of the deceased members of staff.

According to him, “The benefits that you are getting today are the rewards of the deceased. So, I advise you to make judicious use of this payment approved by the State Government for the dependants.”

In the same vein, the Managing Director of LASACO Assurance Plc, Mr. Rasak Abiodun represented by the General Manager of the company’s Life Department, Mr. Dimeji Olona, applauded the Lagos State Government for its consistent payment of premiums over the years that has helped the Insurance Companies to meet up with its target of premium benefits to the beneficiaries.

“The reward that you are getting today did not just happen. It is made possible by the Lagos State Government. The emphasis is on how you are going to use the money for the benefit of the dependants left behind by the deceased,” he said.

The Managing Director, Haggai Insurance Broker, Mr. Segun Amure in his remarks advised the beneficiaries to count themselves fortunate, as Lagos State Government had put in place a worthy programme to pay premiums to the families of its deceased staff.

He also commended the State Government for being the only State in the federation that has consistently paid premiums to insurance companies.

Mr. Ossai Charles Eze, who responded on behalf of other beneficiaries, appreciated Lagos State Government for the payment of premiums.

He noted that with the good gesture of the State Government, beneficiaries can secure the legacies of their deceased family members through the premium benefits given to them.

Lagos State Government in the year 2021 paid the sum of N597.4 million as insurance benefits to 159 beneficiaries of deceased SUBEB and Local Government staff.