Ondo gov disburses N2.4bn gratuities to 2018, 2019 retirees

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, on Monday, flagged off the disbursement of N2.4 billion as gratuities to pensioners who retired from the state public service in 2018 and 2019, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the welfare of retired workers.

Speaking during the ceremony held at the Cocoa Conference Centre, Governor’s Office, Akure, the governor described the disbursement as a significant step towards restoring the dignity of retirees and addressing longstanding arrears owed to them.

Aiyedatiwa said the exercise was not merely administrative but a fulfilment of a moral obligation to those who had served the state diligently, noting that many pensioners had endured years of hardship due to delayed payments.

He stressed that retirement should be a period of rest and dignity rather than uncertainty, adding that his administration was determined to honour the sacrifices of senior citizens by ensuring they receive their rightful entitlements.

The governor recalled that the promise to prioritise workers’ and retirees’ welfare formed a key part of his administration’s agenda, declaring that the ongoing disbursement reflected the government’s resolve to keep its word.

He disclosed that N2.4 billion had been approved to offset gratuity arrears for retirees of 2018 and 2019, despite competing fiscal demands, insisting that the government would always place what is right above convenience.

According to him, the administration inherited a substantial backlog of pension and gratuity liabilities, which came with stories of prolonged waiting, anguish, and, in some cases, loss of lives, as some beneficiaries did not survive to receive their dues.

Aiyedatiwa, however, assured that his government remained committed to clearing all outstanding arrears, adding that necessary mechanisms had been put in place to ensure the backlog is addressed within the shortest possible time.

He emphasised that his administration would not politicise the welfare of the people, stating that the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ondo State Council, could attest to the consistency in the release of intervention funds.

Reiterating his commitment to governance, he said the administration would continue to ensure the safety of lives and property while investing in critical infrastructure for the benefit of residents.

He also assured that other retirees yet to benefit would be attended to, urging senior citizens to take advantage of the Ondo State Health Insurance Scheme, which has been subsidised by the government to improve access to healthcare.

The governor formally declared the disbursement open with the release of ₦2,466,336,304.00 to verified retirees of 2018 and 2019, praying for the well-being of senior citizens and the continued progress of Ondo State.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Pension Transitional Department, Dr Peter Akingbade, described the development as a major step towards clearing the backlog of gratuities, attributing the achievement to the commitment of the governor.

Akingbade appreciated God for granting the governor the grace and wisdom to initiate the payment, noting that the administration had demonstrated strong dedication to the welfare of retirees, adding that the prioritisation of pensioners’ well-being had continued to yield meaningful results.

Providing a breakdown, Akingbade disclosed that 733 retirees would benefit from the exercise, comprising 391 retirees from 2018 and 342 from 2019, drawn from the mainstream civil service, teaching and non-teaching staff of secondary schools, and parastatals across the state.

He added that the process of gratuity payment is continuous, urging retirees yet to be verified to complete their documentation.

Akingbade also recalled that gratuities for the 2015, 2016, and 2017 Batch B were paid in January 2026, with a total sum of ₦1,013,304,155.08 disbursed.

Speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, Prince Adeleye Adebanjo, a 2018 retiree, thanked God for granting the state a performing governor at this time and prayed that the Lord would bless the governor with long life and good health.

In his vote of thanks, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in the state, Mr Johnson Osunyemi, said pensioners would be eternally grateful, describing the governor as the saviour of pensioners in Ondo.

He recalled that in January, the governor also presented the pensioners with an 18-seater bus, emphasising that the gesture was not for personal gain but for posterity, for which the state would forever remember him.