Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people, including retirees, as he flagged off the third batch of payment of N3.2 billion in outstanding gratuities. The ceremony took place on Friday at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Akure.
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Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa stated, “Today is another landmark in our avowed commitment to the welfare of our people, including workers in service and retirees in the State. By this sure and steady mode of bulk payment, all retirees should be rest assured that sooner than later, the backlog of gratuities would be fully paid.”
The Governor emphasized the government’s dedication to clearing the backlog of gratuities, despite other pressing financial commitments, saying, “We consider this a duty despite other pressing financial commitments of government and the limited resources available.”
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The N3.2 billion disbursement includes N2.2 billion for state civil service retirees and N1 billion for local government retirees. Reflecting on previous efforts, the Governor noted that N1.2 billion was paid in January 2024, and between January and June 2024, an additional N1.18 billion was disbursed in piecemeal payments to retirees facing financial hardship.
Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Pension Transition Department, Jide Ekpobomini, assured retirees that their payments would be made in full. Alhaji Amidu Takuro, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his concern for retirees’ well-being.
The Head of Service, Bayo Philips, praised the Governor’s leadership, saying the service is in safe hands. The State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr. Johnson Osunyemi, and retiree representative Adedayo Ajayi, both expressed relief and appreciation for the payments, with Osunyemi pledging the retirees’ support for the Governor in the upcoming election.