The Lagos State Government in conjunction with LASACO Insurance Plc on Friday, July 20, issued cheques worth N240,000,000.00 million to 80 beneficiaries as Insurance Death Benefits to families of deceased public servants in the state.
A statement signed by Mr. ‘Lanre Bajulaiye, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, which was made available to TheNiche, said the Head of Service, Mrs. Folasade Adesoye, who presented the cheques at the conference room of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Alausa, noted that a total N240 million was given to 80 beneficiaries as a way of providing succour to the people left behind by public servants who died in active service.
She said, this is the “Lagos State Government’s effort at providing some succour in form of material support and assistance for the families they left behind’ adding that “this periodic exercise is an obligation which demonstrates the responsiveness of the state government to the needs of the staff.”
While commending Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his prompt payment of salaries and other benefits to public servants in the state, she thanked the Ministry of Finance, State Treasury Office and Lagos State Assurance Company (LASACO) PLC for their roles in ensuring that the families of deceased members of the state public service were covered under the Global Insurance Scheme Policy of the government.
Adesoye, however, advised that the money be put into good use especially by those handling it by proxy for the underage beneficiaries.
She said; “To the immediate beneficiaries, dependents particularly, I appeal that those that will manage the funds should take the advice and counsel given to you earlier by the schedule officers to heart and ensure due diligence as well as proper planning in the expenditure you may need to make, particularly, in the areas of business and investment.”
She added, “Please endeavour to seek guidance and professional advice from financial consultants and small business experts before decisions which will significantly impact your families”
Mrs. Olufunmilayo Balogun, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, also commended the state government for increasing the number of beneficiaries to 80 from 32.
She however appealed to all the relatives to be prudent in the spending of the monies given out to them, while urging them to complete all necessary documents that will hasten the processing of other benefits from the state government.
Mr. Bamidele Olayide, Chairman, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCON), in his goodwill message advised beneficiaries to administer the funds with the fear of God.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director LASACO Insurance, Mr. Segun Balogun, represented by Mr. Razzaq Abiodun, Deputy Managing Director, LASACO Insurance, commended the state government for paying the premium for the staff and advised others to always invest properly.
Mr. Olumuyiwa Olaleye who spoke on behalf of all beneficiaries said “we are happy that Lagos state government has taking it upon itself to give all families here the necessary aid and we are grateful.”