Ondo Government begins ₦1.4bn gratuity payment to 2014 retirees

The Ondo State Government has begun the payment of ₦1.4 billion in gratuities to pensioners who retired from the local government and primary school systems in 2014. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Akure on Monday, said the initiative demonstrates his administration’s continued commitment to the welfare of retired workers and the clearance of outstanding entitlements.

Aiyedatiwa explained that the payment aligns with the government’s structured process, which uses the year of exit from public service as the only criterion for qualification, ensuring fairness and transparency. He noted that the bulk gratuity payment initiative, which he introduced as Deputy Governor, has now become a sustained effort to restore confidence among retirees.

“Today, we are exiting 2014, and very soon, we will exit 2015 and so on, until everybody is cleared,” he said, adding that previous payments for the 2011, 2012, and 2013 sets were unprecedented in the state’s history. He also emphasised that Ondo is one of the few states in Nigeria to approve an upward review of a ₦30,000 flat-rate allowance for pensioners to cushion the effects of current economic hardship.

Aiyedatiwa maintained that the prompt payment of pensions and gratuities should not be considered an achievement but a moral and constitutional duty. “We are obligated to pay our senior citizens promptly. However, compared to the past when pensions were paid in percentages, there is reason to celebrate our progress,” he said.

He announced that the next of kin of three local government staff who died in a motor accident while on official duty to Ibaro, Niger State, would receive cheques for their terminal benefits. The governor also commended the collaboration between the National Union of Pensioners (NUP) and the Local Government Pension Transitional Department for supporting the success of the initiative.

Speaking on behalf of the Head of Service, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Adeniran Ikuomola, applauded the governor for prioritising the elderly despite other pressing developmental needs. He said Aiyedatiwa’s decision to commit ₦1.4 billion to pensioners shows genuine compassion and foresight.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, praised the governor for sustaining the pension savings scheme he introduced as Deputy Governor. He revealed that Aiyedatiwa personally directed that savings from recent allocations be used immediately to settle gratuities, reinforcing his commitment to the welfare of retirees.

Chairman of the National Union of Pensioners (NUP), Johnson Osunyemi, commended the governor for restoring dignity to retirees and rekindling their hope. He described the gesture as a clear reflection of good governance and compassion for those who served the state diligently.