Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola on Tuesday approved N708 million to pay pension arrears of retired civil servants.

He said payment of the approved funds would begin on October 8.

A statement by Head of Service Mr. Festus Olowogboyega said N508 million was approved to pay the pensions of retired civil servants, while an additional N150million was approved to pay retirees under the contributory pensions scheme based on merit.

The statement said N50million was approved for the part payment of the gratuities of retired officers under the old pensions scheme.

Olowogboyega noted that Governor Oyetola assured workers that efforts would be made to prioritise their welfare.

“The lists of beneficiaries selected on merit have been pasted on the notice boards of the Ministry of Information and Civic Orientation, Pension Bureau and Office of the Head of Service,” the statement said.