By Bukola Ebunola
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has said his administration will continue to advance the welfare of the people, ensuring no segment is left untouched.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that the governor made this pledge during the flag-off ceremony for the third batch of payment of N3.2billion in backlog of gratuities to retirees in the State.
The new round of payment is made up of N2.2billion in gratuities to state civil service retirees and N1billion in gratuities to local government retirees.
The presentation ceremony held on Friday at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Akure.
Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa said: “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.”
Reflecting on the administration’s past efforts, the governor noted that in January 2024, N1.2billion was paid while between January and June 2024, N1.18billion was disbursed in piecemeal payments to retirees facing financial hardship.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the government is committed to making both bulk and piecemeal payments to alleviate the economic difficulties retirees face.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Pension Transition Department, Jide Ekpobomini, assured the retirees that their payments would be made in full, not in part.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, also expressed his appreciation to 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, noted 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.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Adedayo Ajayi, thanked the Governor for his love for retirees, adding that the payment is a tremendous relief the pensioners.
