In a sustained demonstration of its commitment to staff welfare, the Lagos State Government has disbursed the sum of N978,620,589.30 to 510 beneficiaries representing 280 deceased public servants who died while in active service between May 2024 and May 2025.
Speaking during the official presentation of cheques ceremony held on Friday at the STO Resource Centre, Alausa, the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi, stated that the payment of Insurance Death Benefits to the beneficiaries is a testament to the humane nature of our amiable Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
Reaffirming the administration’s unwavering commitment to staff welfare, Mr. Oluyomi stated, “This disbursement aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s mandate to ensure that the well-being of our workforce and their families remains a top priority. The Governor believes that the sacrifices of our dedicated public servants must be honoured – even in death. “It is this milk of human kindness that brings timely relief to bereaved families and reinforces confidence in government.”
While noting that the payment is the first batch of the exercise this year, he encouraged beneficiaries to utilise the funds prudently, emphasising their intended purpose as a support mechanism. “I want to admonish you all not to fall into the temptation of lavishly expending these payments on unworthy things which may jeopardise the intent of giving out the funds as succour to all the beneficiaries”, Oluyomi said.
The Honourable Commissioner also commended LASACO Assurance PLC and the consortium of underwriters and brokers for their professionalism and adherence to global best practices in administering the State’s insurance policies. He acknowledged their pivotal role in ensuring the prompt and efficient delivery of benefits to families of deceased employees.
“The State Government has, over the years, ensured consistent collaboration with Insurance Stakeholders in the area of patronage and positive engagement to better the Insurance Industry. The commitment of these huge sum towards the payment of Insurance premium to the consortium of Insurance Underwriter as engaged by the State Government has graduated into the availability of funds to be paid to the beneficiaries left behind by our fallen heroes”. “We are proud to continue partnerships that place the welfare of our workforce at the forefront.” Oluyomi affirmed.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Hon. Femi Saheed, urged the beneficiaries to make prudent use of the insurance death benefits paid to them, emphasising the importance of securing a brighter future for the children of the deceased and empowering them to achieve greatness in life.
Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation and Revenue, Hon. Abdulkabir Opeyemi Ogungbo, described the programme as a solemn occasion, an opportunity to commemorate the families of the departed staff, while expressing gratitude that the Lagos State Government continues to remember their invaluable contributions.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Mahmud Tajudeen Alao, emphasised that the Lagos State Government places high importance on the prompt payment of insurance death benefits. He noted that these benefits are intended to provide relief to the families of deceased staff, helping to prevent hardships such as school dropouts or eviction due to unpaid rent. He urged beneficiaries to make wise use of the funds in a manner that would honour the memory of their departed loved ones.
Mahmud applauded the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering compassion and commitment to staff welfare, particularly in ensuring the prompt approval and remittance of insurance premiums.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership continues to reflect a deep sense of empathy and responsibility. His prompt approval of insurance premiums demonstrates not just administrative efficiency, but a genuine concern for the well-being of our workforce and their families.
“This gesture once again reinforces the compassion and dedication of this government to the public service. We thank Mr. Governor for making staff welfare one of the major focuses of this administration,” he remarked.
Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants, Comrade Segun Balogun pointed out that the initiative is another proof of the administration’s people-oriented governance. He thanked the Lagos State Government, advising beneficiaries to plan wisely. “This support is a stepping stone towards rebuilding. I urge beneficiaries to apply this benefit strategically and to invest in sustainable ventures that will secure their family’s future”, he advised.
The Managing Director of LASACO Assurance Plc, Mr. Rasak Abiodun, expressed his deepest appreciation to the Governor for sustaining this impactful legacy. He revealed that although he had presented his proposal to several States, it was only the Lagos State Government that embraced the initiative, making concrete provisions for the families of deceased staff and setting a commendable example in public service welfare.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ayati Constance Oyi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Lagos State Government for the timely payment of the insurance benefits. She assured the government that the beneficiaries would take the Honourable Commissioner’s advice to heart, using the funds wisely to support the education, health, and overall well-being of their families.