Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his commitment to the phased payment of outstanding gratuities, stating that his administration will not relent until all arrears are fully cleared.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the fourth batch of gratuity payments for retired local government workers and primary school teachers, held at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure, the governor announced the release of an additional ₦2.5 billion to clear backlogs from 2013.
“Retirees deserve to enjoy the fruits of their labor in peace and dignity. This initiative is part of our broader strategy to improve their welfare and ensure they are not forgotten after years of meritorious service,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
The governor noted that the government had previously disbursed ₦3 billion in three phases to settle gratuities up to 2012 and assured retirees that a structured system for regular gratuity payments had been put in place.
He emphasized that gratuity payments in the state would no longer be influenced by politics or favoritism, saying, “Only the year of retirement will determine payment priority.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa also appreciated the support of retirees and the people of Ondo State, adding:
“Your prayers for us have continued to sustain us. It is to the glory of God that your support has given us yet another opportunity as we look forward to my official inauguration on Monday, 24th February, 2025. With our renewed mandate, an era of unprecedented delivery of dividends of good governance has come.”
NUP Lauds Governor on Gratuities, Pension Increases
Earlier, the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, commended the governor for prioritizing retirees’ welfare despite financial constraints. He described the gratuity payments as a testament to the administration’s commitment to ensuring retirees live with dignity.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ondo State Chapter, Mr. Johnson Osunyemi, expressed gratitude for the governor’s efforts.
“Ondo State pensioners are among the few in the country enjoying regular pension increases. The implementation of the new minimum wage for pensioners is a landmark achievement that has significantly improved the lives of retirees,” Osunyemi stated.
Some beneficiaries, including Ahmed Babatunde, Cecilia Olasimbo, and Francis Adejuwon, also praised the initiative, stating that the payments would greatly relieve their financial burdens.
The event marks another milestone in Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to retirees’ welfare and financial security in Ondo State.
