By Ayodele Oni
Hope rises for Retirees in Ondo state between 2018 till date as a new set of senior citizens between 2016 and 2017 start to receive their gratuities.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Monday, brightened the faces of hundreds of retired civil servants as he flagged off the bulk payment of ₦2.396 billion gratuity arrears to 2016 and 2017 retirees in the state service.
The event, held in Akure, marked another major fulfilment of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s promise to clear the backlog of pension and gratuity arrears inherited by his administration.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Ebenezer Adeniyan said the Governor described the exercise as a continuation of a deliberate and well-thought-out policy to ensure that every retiree receives benefits in a fair and transparent manner.
The Governor pointed out that the disbursement was not a coincidence, but a product of consistent planning, coming barely a week after his government paid over ₦1.4 billion to local government and primary school retirees.
“This is a culmination of our administration’s sincerity of purpose and unwavering resolve to honour men and women who gave their strength, intellect and years of service to the development of Ondo State.”
The Governor explained that his administration adopted the “year of exit” method as the sole criterion for gratuity qualification to eliminate bias and confusion in the process.
According to him, retirement is not an end, but a dignified transition that deserves honour, fairness, and respect.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to the welfare of pensioners, the Governor said, “We are resolutely committed to clearing all backlog of gratuity obligations.
“Our retirees deserve empathy, honour, and respect. This is not an act of favour; it is a moral and constitutional duty we hold dear.”
He recalled that since assuming office, his government had released ₦180 million monthly to defray gratuity arrears, while ensuring regular payment of pensions at both state and local government levels.
He highlighted other welfare strides of his administration, including the payment of ₦2.236 billion to 2015 retirees; a ₦30,000 monthly allowance for pensioners as fuel subsidy support; installation of solar-powered streetlights and road beautification; digital infrastructure investments; and the O’Datiwa Metering Programme, which has installed over 15,000 meters in less than a year.
While expressing appreciation to labour leaders, pension administrators and senior citizens for their patience and cooperation, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed that his administration would remain people-oriented and responsive to the welfare of residents, especially during economic hardship.
He urged retirees to enrol 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 appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa for his consistent efforts in addressing the welfare and financial concerns of pensioners.
Osuyemi said members had remained optimistic since the inception of the administration, noting that the governor demonstrated genuine commitment to easing the burdens of retirees.
He recalled how some pensioners were once at the brink of collapse due to unpaid benefits, adding that the monthly stipends being released by the state had become a lifeline for many.
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