Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa Commences ₦2.4 Billion Gratuity Disbursement to Retirees
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has officially flagged off the disbursement of a substantial ₦2.4 billion in gratuities to pensioners who retired from the state's public service during the years 2018 and 2019. The ceremony, held at the Cocoa Conference Centre within the Governor's Office in Akure, marks a significant step in addressing long-standing financial obligations to those who have served the state diligently.
Fulfilling Moral Obligations and Restoring Dignity
In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa described this initiative as a fulfilment of the state's moral obligation to its retired workforce. He acknowledged that many pensioners have endured years of hardship due to delayed payments, with some unfortunately not surviving to receive their rightful dues. The governor emphasized that retirement should be a period of rest and dignity, not one filled with uncertainty and financial strain.
Aiyedatiwa stressed that his administration is determined to honour the sacrifices made by these senior citizens by ensuring they receive their entitlements promptly. He revealed that his government inherited a substantial backlog of pension and gratuity liabilities, which came with stories of prolonged waiting, anguish, and loss. However, he assured that necessary mechanisms have been put in place to address this backlog within the shortest possible time.
Commitment to Worker Welfare Without Politicization
The governor made it clear that his administration will not play politics with the welfare of the people, particularly workers and retirees. He pointed to the consistency in the release of intervention funds, a fact he stated the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ondo State Council, can attest to. Reiterating his commitment to governance, Aiyedatiwa said his administration will continue to prioritize the safety of lives and property while investing in critical infrastructure for the benefit of all residents.
He also assured that other retirees who have yet to benefit from such disbursements will be attended to in due course. Additionally, he urged senior citizens to take advantage of the Ondo State Health Insurance Scheme, which has been subsidized by the government to improve access to healthcare services.
Breakdown of Beneficiaries and Previous Payments
Dr. Peter Akingbade, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Pension Transitional Department, provided a detailed breakdown of the disbursement. He disclosed that a total of 733 retirees will benefit from this exercise, comprising:
- 391 retirees from the year 2018
- 342 retirees from the year 2019
These beneficiaries are drawn from the mainstream civil service, teaching and non-teaching staff of secondary schools, and various parastatals across the state. Akingbade described the development as a major step towards clearing the backlog of gratuities, attributing the achievement to the unwavering commitment of Governor Aiyedatiwa.
He also recalled that gratuities for retirees from 2015, 2016, and 2017 Batch B were paid in January 2026, with a total sum of ₦1,013,304,155.08 disbursed at that time. Akingbade emphasized that the process of gratuity payment is continuous and urged retirees who have yet to be verified to complete their documentation promptly to facilitate future payments.
Gratitude from the Pensioners' Union
Mr. Johnson Osunyemi, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in Ondo State, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the pensioners. He described Governor Aiyedatiwa as the saviour of pensioners in the state, noting that retirees will be eternally grateful for this timely intervention. This sentiment underscores the relief and appreciation felt by many who have long awaited their gratuities.
This disbursement is part of a broader effort by the Ondo State government to address financial arrears and improve the welfare of its retired workforce, ensuring that their years of service are duly recognized and rewarded.
