The Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday, commenced the disbursement of N1bn second batch payment of outstanding gratuities of civil servants who retired from the Local Government service.
Speaking at the flag-off of the disbursement in Akure, the state capital, Aiyedatiwa said his administration reviewed the template for the payment to pensioners, towards speedy process and clearance of backlogs.
The governor said the gesture was in continuation of the efforts of his administration towards promoting the welfare of retirees in the state.
The first batch of the gratuity payment was disbursed to pensioners in November 2023, while another batch was held in January 2024.
The governor said previous payments made by his administration had been a substantial relief for many retirees in the state, as he promised to continue the payments regularly.
The governor said: “Today (Tuesday) is another landmark in our avowed commitment to the welfare of our people, including workers in service and at retirement in the Sunshine State.
“In November 2023, the first batch of this innovative bulk payment of outstanding gratuity of our former local government staff and primary school teachers was carried out.
“In January 2024, another flag-off of payment of N1.2 billion was also performed for the 2014 pensioners of the state civil service.”
He said the current batch focused predominantly on LG retirees from 2012 and aimed to settle remaining arrears from previous years, reiterating his administration’s dedication to the consistent and fair payment of pensions and gratuities to the retirees.
He urged those not included in the current batch to remain hopeful as the administration continued its efforts to improve the welfare of the greatest number of people.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, acknowledged that the retirees had been facing hardship for many years and thanked the governor for the steps taken.
Takuro disclosed that the governor tasked him with saving funds specifically to pay pensioners and highlighted the gratitude the retirees had expressed for the governor’s compassion and dedication to their welfare.
The State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr Johnson Osunyemi, noted that the payment was a significant relief for the retirees, as it had been long awaited.
He assured the governor of the retirees’ support in the forthcoming election.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Joshua Adeoye, a retired teacher, thanked the governor for his compassion and interest in the welfare of pensioners in the state.
PUNCH
