Ondo begins N2.6bn gratuity payment to 2015 retirees

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Government has commenced the payment of more than N2.6 billion in gratuities to retired local government and primary school workers who left service in 2015, as part of efforts to offset outstanding retirement benefits owed pensioners in the state.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced the development on Wednesday during a ceremony at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Akure. He was represented at the event by his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami.

Aiyedatiwa said the payment reflects his administration’s commitment to the welfare of retirees and aligns with the objectives of the government’s “OUR EASE” development agenda.

According to the governor, the administration has already cleared gratuity arrears for retirees who exited service in 2012, 2013 and 2014, while efforts are ongoing to settle all outstanding obligations before the end of his tenure.

He disclosed that a total of N2,614,266,954.88 would be paid directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries in the 2015 batch, describing the move as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to retired workers.

The governor attributed the release of the funds to prudent management of state resources and careful financial planning. He urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money, particularly in addressing health-related and other personal needs.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the government had established a monthly funding arrangement dedicated to gratuity payments, noting that the initiative underscored the administration’s concern for the welfare of workers and pensioners.

Also speaking, the Head of Service, Chief Segun Odusanya, commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of active and retired workers, while the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in the state, Mr. Johnson Osunyemi, lauded the government for sustaining bulk gratuity payments and maintaining regular payment of monthly pensions.