Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo has disbursed N1 billion for the second batch of bulk payments of outstanding gratuities to local government retirees in the state.
According to the governor, the move is part of his administration’s efforts toward promoting the welfare of retirees in the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that his administration is reviewing the template for the payment of gratuity to retirees for the speedy payment of backlog.
“Today is another landmark in our avowed commitment to the welfare of our people, including workers in service and at retirement in the Sunshine State,” he said on Tuesday.
“In November 2023, the first batch of this innovative bulk payment of outstanding gratuity of our former local government staff and primary school teachers was carried out. In January 2024, another flag off of payment of one billion and two hundred million naira (N1.2b) was also performed for the year 2014 pensioners of the State Civil Service.”
He said the current batch focuses predominantly on LG retirees from 2012 and aims to settle remaining arrears from previous years. Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s dedication to the consistent and fair payment of pensions and gratuities.
The Ondo governor appealed to those not included in this batch to remain hopeful as the administration is committed to the welfare of the people of the state.
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Grateful Retirees
In his address, the Ondo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Amidu Takuro said that the governor had tasked him with saving funds specifically to pay pensioners.
The commissioner said retirees have expressed gratitude towards the governor for his compassion and dedication to their welfare.
Also in his remarks, the Head of Service Bayo Philips described the event as stemming from a godly mind, emphasising that the governor’s actions reflect a divine approach.
He pointed out the challenging nature of addressing gratuity issues, noting that many governors neglect retirees because they find it difficult to meet the huge demand.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) Ondo State chapter Johnson Osunyemi noted that the payment is a significant relief for the retirees. He assured the governor of the retirees’ support in the forthcoming election.
