Aiyedatiwa to review template to expedite gratuity payments to retirees

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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, announced that his administration is reviewing the template for gratuity payments to expedite the backlog owed to retirees.

Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan in a statement said the effort aims to promote the welfare of retirees in the state.

The governor made this announcement during the flag-off ceremony for the second batch of N1 billion in outstanding gratuities to local government retirees in Akure.

He recalled previous payments made under his administration, noting the significant relief provided to many retirees and assured that these payments would continue.

“Today marks another milestone in our commitment to the welfare of our people, both active workers and retirees in the Sunshine State.

“In November 2023, we initiated the first batch of bulk payments for outstanding gratuities of former local government staff and primary school teachers. In January 2024, we flagged off another payment of N1.2 billion for the 2014 state civil service pensioners.”

The governor mentioned that the current batch primarily targets 2012 local government retirees, aiming to clear remaining arrears from previous years. He reiterated his administration’s dedication to consistent and fair pension and gratuity payments.

He addressed concerns about the fairness of the payment process, ensuring that the system prioritizes equity, fairness, and transparency.

He urged those not included in this batch to remain hopeful as efforts continue to maximize the welfare of the greatest number of people.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, thanked the governor for his prompt action, acknowledging the hardships retirees have faced for many years.

Takuro revealed that Aiyedatiwa had instructed him to save funds specifically for pensioners and highlighted the gratitude retirees have expressed towards the governor for his compassion and dedication.

The Head of Service, Bayo Philips, described the event as reflecting a divine approach, emphasizing the challenging nature of addressing gratuity issues and noting that many other state governors neglect retirees due to the difficulty in meeting the huge demand.

Expressing his gratitude, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Johnson Osunyemi, noted that the payment is a significant relief for retirees and assured the governor of their support in the forthcoming election.

Joshua Adeoye, a retired teacher and one of the beneficiaries, thanked Aiyedatiwa for his compassion and interest in the welfare of pensioners in the state.