Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to clearing outstanding gratuities for retirees, assuring that all arrears will be fully settled in phases.
The governor made this declaration on Friday at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure, during the flag-off ceremony for the fourth batch of bulk gratuity payments to retired local government workers and primary school teachers.
Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted that despite financial constraints, his administration prioritises retirees’ welfare.
He revealed that in the first three phases of the initiative, a total of N3 billion had been disbursed to clear gratuity arrears up to 2012.
The latest phase sets aside an additional N2.5 billion to settle the entitlements of retirees 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.
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He assured that a structured system for consistent gratuity payments has been implemented to eliminate delays.
He also stressed that payments would no longer be subject to political influence, with the year of retirement serving as the sole criterion for disbursement.
“Your prayers for us have continued to sustain us. It is to the glory of God that your efforts and support, as well as that of the entire people of the state, have given us yet another opportunity as we look forward to my official inauguration on Monday, February 24, 2025.
“I wish to assure you that with our renewed mandate, an era of unprecedented delivery of dividends of good governance for the benefit of all and sundry in our Sunshine State has come,” he added.
In his welcome address, the Head of Service, Bayo Philip, lauded the governor for prioritising retirees’ welfare despite the state’s financial challenges.
He urged beneficiaries to utilise the payments wisely and expressed optimism that more retirees would benefit from subsequent phases.
Johnson Osunyemi, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ondo State Chapter, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his commitment to retirees’ welfare.
He noted that Ondo State pensioners are among the few in Nigeria enjoying regular pension increases.
Osunyemi also praised the governor for approving the implementation of the new minimum wage for pensioners, calling it a landmark achievement that has significantly improved retirees’ living conditions.
Several beneficiaries, including Ahmed Babatunde, Cecilia Olasimbo, and Francis Adejuwon, expressed their gratitude for the initiative.
They described the process as transparent and fair, noting that the payments would greatly alleviate their financial burdens.
