Emmanuel Thomas, Lagos
October 2, 2015 – After so many years of waiting in the doldrums, former staff of Lagos Horizon, have been paid the sum of N37, 171, 228.22 million being salaries and emoluments owned former staff of the establishment.
Lagos Horizon Newspaper was the mouthpiece of the Lagos State Government but was re-named Eko Today before it went defunct.
Addressing former staff at the main chamber of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, the governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Civil Service Pension Office, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola said he acknowledged the roles of the former staff of the organization and thanked them for their patience, cooperation, and doggedness in achieving the feat of paying the cheques.
He urged them to use the money to maintain themselves rather than embark on any capital project which may not be completed on time.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries the First General Manager of the defunct Newspaper, Mrs. Toyin Onibuwe Johnson said although the gesture was coming late she was happy because most of the beneficiaries are alive to receive their entitlements.
She urged Governor Ambode to continue to move in the direction he is moving, describing it as positive direction.
In his own contribution the former Editor of the Newspaper, Mr Akin Owolabi described the governor as a redeemer who rescued the former staff from death stressing that with Governor Ambode Lagos has an illustrious person as Governor who can be counted among the very few individual who respects humanity.
It would be recalled that the organization closed down in 2003 without paying any benefits to the staff which led to series of agitation from the staff.
On assumption of office Governor Ambode heard their predicaments and ordered the payment of their benefits.
A total number of 54 staff got their cheque in three different categories, 18 were paid pension, gratuity and severance pay packages, 29 got severance package only , while seven got severance and gratuity packages.
