Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Friday flagged off the payment of N3.2billion for the third batch of state and local government retirees at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Akure, the state’s capital.
Governor Aiyedatiwa assured that his administration will continue to advance the welfare of the people by ensuring that no segment of the state is left untouched.
The Governor made this pledge during the flag-off ceremony for the third batch payment of N3.2billion in backlog of gratuities to retirees in the state.
According to the governor, the new round of payment is made up of N2.2billion in gratuities to state civil service retirees and N1billion to local government retirees for the same purpose.
“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. We consider this a duty, despite other pressing financial commitments of government and the limited resources available,” the governor said.
Reflecting on the administration’s past efforts to clear off the backlog, Governor Aiyedatiwa recalled that N1.2billion was paid in January 2024 while another N1.18billion was disbursed between January and June 2024 in piecemeal payments to retirees facing financial hardship.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised that the government is committed to making both bulk and piecemeal payments to alleviate the economic difficulties confronting retirees.
The Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Pension Transition Department, Jide Ekpobomini, earlier in his welcome address, assured the retirees that their entitlements would be made in full.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, commended the governor over his genuine concern for the well-being of retirees in the state.
The Head of Service, Bayo Philips, who reaffirmed the commitment to resolving gratuity issues, added that the service is in safe hands under the governor’s leadership.
The State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr. Johnson Osunyemi while commending the governor, stated that the payment is a significant relief for the retirees, as it has been long awaited.
He assured the Governor of the retirees’ support in the forthcoming governorship election.
A retiree, Adedayo Ajayi, while speaking on behalf of the other beneficiaries, thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for his love for retirees, adding that the payment has brought tremendous relief to the pensioners.
