The Ondo State Government has commenced the disbursement of ₦2.39 billion in gratuities to state retirees who left the civil service between 2016 and 2017.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, speaking at the official flag-off of the payment on Monday, described retirement as “a dignified transition—a well-earned season of rest, reward, and respect.”
He said the initiative underscored his administration’s commitment to ensuring that retirees receive their benefits promptly, fairly, and transparently.
Aiyedatiwa noted that similar payments had earlier been made to local government retirees, adding that the welfare of pensioners, senior citizens, and all residents remained a top priority for his government.
“Since assumption of office, my administration has made remarkable strides in upholding the welfare of pensioners. We have maintained regular monthly releases of ₦180 million to offset gratuity arrears, providing timely relief to retirees, particularly those with health or other critical needs,” he said.
The governor explained that the disbursement process was structured to ensure equity, with the year of exit from service adopted as the main criterion for qualification.
“This method eliminates ambiguity and ensures every retiree receives what is rightfully theirs without hindrance,” he added.
Reaffirming his administration’s pledge to clear all outstanding gratuities, Aiyedatiwa said: “Our retirees deserve empathy, honour, and respect for their years of service. This is not an act of favour, but a moral and constitutional duty we hold dear.”
Earlier, Mr Olubunmi Alade, Permanent Secretary of the Pension Transitional Department, thanked the governor for his consistent support for pensioners. He described the simultaneous payment of two full years of arrears as unprecedented in the state’s history.
Similarly, Mr Johnson Osunyemi, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ondo State Council, expressed appreciation to the governor on behalf of retirees, commending his efforts to sustain their hope and welfare.
NAN
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