…pays 2016, 2017 retirees after N1.4bn settlement for 2014 set
…promises to sustain fairness, transparency in pension administration
* Retirees hail governor for restoring hope, dignity
By Fisayo Akinduro
Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan 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 verified 2016 and 2017 retirees in the state service.
The event, held at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure, marked another major fulfilment of Aiyedatiwa’s promise to clear the backlog of pension and gratuity arrears inherited by his administration.
Speaking at the ceremony, Aiyedatiwa described the exercise as a continuation of a deliberate and well-thought-out policy to ensure that all retirees receive their benefits in a fair and transparent manner.
The governor said 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 of the 2014 set.
“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,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He 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 declared, “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.
Aiyedatiwa 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.
He also listed the approval of a six-kilometre road linking Scab Filling Station to Imafon and the establishment of the State Senior Secondary Education Board as part of ongoing developmental efforts.
While expressing appreciation to labour leaders, pension administrators and senior citizens for their patience and cooperation, 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.”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Pension Transitional Department, Mrs. Bunmi Alade, lauded the governor for prioritising retirees’ welfare despite numerous developmental projects competing for funds.
Alade disclosed that the ₦2.396 billion payment marked the first time in the state’s history that two full years of gratuity arrears were cleared simultaneously.
She praised the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Isaac Omowunmi; the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip; the Office of the Accountant General; and Smart Apps Information and Technologies Limited for their roles in ensuring the smooth conduct of the verification and payment process.
The Permanent Secretary also appreciated the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners for their cooperation and support throughout the exercise.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ondo State chapter, Comrade Johnson Osuyemi, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Aiyedatiwa for his consistent efforts in addressing the welfare and financial concerns of pensioners.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Osuyemi said the union and its members had remained optimistic since the inception of the administration, noting that the governor had demonstrated genuine commitment to easing the burdens of retirees.
He described Aiyedatiwa as “a leader with Solomonic wisdom” whose impact was being felt across all sectors, particularly the pension system.
The visibly elated NUP chairman commended the governor for restoring hope to retirees who had endured years of uncertainty and delay in the payment of entitlements.
He recalled how some pensioners were once at the brink of collapse owing to unpaid benefits, adding that the monthly stipends being released by the state had become a lifeline for many.
Osuyemi appealed to the governor to consider reinstating some payments that were temporarily halted two or three months ago, stressing that even minimal interventions could help cushion the hardships faced by vulnerable retirees.
He also invited the governor to the union’s forthcoming Pensioners’ Day celebration slated for October 30, describing it as a gathering of “retired but not tired” senior citizens.
While appreciating the Commissioner for Finance, permanent secretaries, both past and present and other government officials for their roles in sustaining pensioners’ welfare, Osuyemi lauded the administration as “pensioner-friendly” and deeply responsive to retirees’ needs.
He said the joy radiating on the faces of beneficiaries reflected the impact of the government’s humane policies, and prayed for continued wisdom, peace and divine guidance for Aiyedatiwa in steering the affairs of the state.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip; Members of the State Executive Council; Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly; Permanent Secretaries; Chairman/Editor-in-Chief of Owena Press Limited, Mr. Kayode Fasua, and accounting officers in the state.