The Ondo State Government has commenced the disbursement of N2.5 billion in outstanding gratuities to retired local government workers and primary school teachers.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa made the announcement on Friday during the unveiling of the fourth batch of the bulk defrayment of gratuity arrears, which took place at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure.
Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to clearing the arrears, stating that the government would continue its phased payment process until all outstanding gratuities were fully settled.
“Retirees deserve to enjoy the fruits of their labour in peace and dignity,” the governor said, emphasizing the initiative as part of a broader strategy to improve the welfare of retirees.
Aiyedatiwa also highlighted the financial challenges faced by retirees and assured them that, despite the state’s limited resources, their well-being remained a priority for his administration.
“We recognise the burdens retirees face, and we are determined to meet our obligations to them,” he added.
The governor noted that the state government had already expended N3 billion in the previous three phases to settle gratuity arrears up to 2012.
Furthermore, Aiyedatiwa announced the implementation of a system that ensures the regular warehousing of funds for gratuity payments, guaranteeing a consistent and seamless disbursement process.
He stressed that the payments would be based strictly on the year of retirement, with no political influence or favoritism involved.
“Your prayers for us have sustained us,” he continued. “With our renewed mandate, an era of unprecedented delivery of good governance is set to begin, benefiting all citizens in our Sunshine State.”
In a show of support, Mr. Johnson Osunyemi, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, commended the governor’s consistent efforts to prioritize the welfare of retirees, noting that Aiyedatiwa was one of the few governors in Nigeria to approve the new minimum wage for pensioners.
“This landmark achievement has significantly improved the living conditions of retirees,” Osunyemi said.
Mr. Bayo Philip, the state Head of Service, also expressed his optimism for the ongoing defrayment initiative, encouraging beneficiaries to use the funds prudently.
He further assured that more retirees would benefit from the subsequent phases of the payment process.
