Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the disbursement of ₦2.396 billion in gratuity payments to retirees who left the state civil service in 2016 and 2017.
The announcement was made during a flag-off ceremony held at the Cocoa Conference Hall in Akure, where beneficiaries received their cheques. The payment marks another major step in the administration’s efforts to clear pension and gratuity arrears accumulated over the years.
Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa explained that the initiative followed the recent release of ₦1.4 billion to local government and primary school retirees. He described the development as a reflection of the government’s commitment to transparency, planning, and fairness in addressing workers’ welfare.
“This is not a coincidence but a product of consistent planning and sincerity of purpose,” the governor stated. “Our retirees deserve empathy, honour, and respect. This is not a favour but a moral and constitutional duty.”
He added that the state adopted the “year of exit” approach to ensure fairness and eliminate bias in the payment of gratuities. According to him, the government has been releasing ₦180 million monthly to offset arrears while ensuring regular pension payments.
Aiyedatiwa further highlighted other welfare initiatives implemented by his administration, including the payment of ₦2.236 billion to retirees from 2015, a ₦30,000 monthly fuel subsidy for pensioners, and continued investments in infrastructure, education, and digital innovation.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bunmi Alade, described the simultaneous clearance of two years’ gratuity arrears as an unprecedented milestone in Ondo State’s history. She praised the governor’s dedication to restoring stability and dignity to the civil service.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners in the state, Mr. Osuyemi, also commended the administration for rekindling the hope of retirees who had waited years for their entitlements.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to sustain the ongoing reforms aimed at promoting accountability, equity, and welfare for all workers and pensioners in the state.
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