Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has initiated the bulk payment of N2.396 billion in gratuity arrears to state civil service retirees from 2016 and 2017, marking a significant fulfillment of his promise to address inherited pension backlogs.
The event, held at the Cocoa Conference Centre, governor’s Office, comes barely a week after the administration disbursed over N1.4 billion to local government and primary school retirees, reinforcing the governor’s commitment to the welfare of former civil servants.
Speaking at the ceremony, Aiyedatiwa described the disbursement as a continuation of a “deliberate and well-thought-out policy” to ensure all retirees receive their entitlements through a fair and transparent process.
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He stressed that the payment was a result of consistent planning and an “unwavering resolve to honour men and women” who dedicated their service to the state’s development.
The governor explained that his administration is utilizing the year of exit as the sole criterion for gratuity qualification to maintain impartiality.
He emphasised that retirement is a dignified transition that demands respect, honour, and fairness, viewing the payment not as a favour but as a “moral and constitutional duty.”
Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his commitment to clearing all outstanding gratuity obligations. He noted that since taking office, his government has been releasing N180 million monthly specifically to reduce the arrears while ensuring the regular and prompt payment of monthly pensions at both the state and local government levels.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Pension Transitional Department, Bunmi Alade, lauded the governor, disclosing that the N2.396 billion payment is historical, as it marks the first time the state has cleared two full years of gratuity arrears simultaneously.
In addition to clearing the 2016/2017 arrears, the administration previously paid N2.236 billion to 2015 retirees.
Other welfare initiatives highlighted by the governor include: a N30,000 monthly allowance for pensioners to help cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, and approval for a six-kilometre road linking Scab Filling Station to Imafon.
Others are investment in digital infrastructure and the O’Datiwa Metering Programme, which has installed over 15,000 meters in less than a year and establishment of the State Senior Secondary Education Board.
The governor also urged all retirees to enroll in the Ondo State Health Insurance Scheme for accessible healthcare, stressing that “health is the foundation of happiness and longevity.”
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ondo State chapter, Johnson Osuyemi, expressed profound gratitude, commending Aiyedatiwa for his consistent efforts.
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Osuyemi noted that the governor has demonstrated a genuine commitment, restoring hope and dignity to retirees who had endured years of uncertainty and delay in receiving their entitlements.
The visibly elated NUP chairman recalled that the payment of monthly stipends and the clearance of bulk arrears have become a “lifeline” for many pensioners who were previously at the brink of collapse due to unpaid benefits.
