By Adedotun Ajayi

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pledged that under his leadership, the government will continue to prioritise the welfare of the people, ensuring that no segment is left behind, especially the veterans who served the state during their prime.

He made this commitment during the flag-off ceremony for the third batch of payments, with the disbursement of N2.2 billion in gratuities to 2015 state government retirees, held at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure, on Friday.

It is noteworthy that just last month, Governor Aiyedatiwa launched the second batch of payments, disbursing N1 billion to pensioners from primary schools and the Local Government Service in the state.

During the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his joy, highlighting the government’s commitment to the welfare of its workers and retirees.

“Today marks another landmark in our unwavering commitment to the welfare of our people, including workers in service and retirees in the state,” he said.

He emphasised that the N2.2 billion payment is intended to clear the backlog of gratuities owed to the 2015 retirees under the State Pension Scheme, while also providing N1 billion for the completion of bulk payments to the 2012 and 2013 batches of pensioners from primary schools and the Local Government Service.

Governor Aiyedatiwa assured the people of Ondo State that the government is committed to addressing the alarming arrears that have caused many retirees to lose hope.

“Through this sure and steady mode of bulk payment, all retirees can rest assured that, sooner rather than later, the backlog of gratuities will be fully paid. We consider this a duty, despite other pressing financial commitments and the limited resources available,” he added.

Reflecting on the administration’s past efforts, Aiyedatiwa noted that in January 2024, N1.2 billion was paid to clear the 2014 gratuity arrears under the State Pension Scheme.

He also mentioned that between January and June 2024, N1.18 billion was disbursed in piecemeal payments to retirees facing financial hardship. He emphasised that the government is committed to making both bulk and piecemeal payments to alleviate the economic difficulties retirees face.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also highlighted the state’s peaceful atmosphere and commended the youth for their restraint during recent national protests. “This is the spirit we need at the moment to weather the temporary economic challenges facing us as a nation and then march on towards prosperity,” he said.

He also urged all political actors to avoid violence as the state approaches its upcoming election. “More importantly, as this is an election year, I call on all political gladiators to shun thuggery and all forms of untoward actions before, during, and after the forthcoming election in the state. Let’s put the interest of our state first in every action we take, and that must be our priority at all times.”

Concluding the ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa officially flagged off the N2.2 billion disbursement to 2015 retirees, reiterating his administration’s commitment to leaving Ondo State better than they found it. “Our resolve to make and leave Ondo State better than we met it is unequivocal,” he stated, calling for continued peace and cooperation among all citizens.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Pension Transition Department, Jide Ekpobomini, emphasised that everything happens at its appointed time, urging patience among the people. He remarked that God has spared the lives of the retirees to witness this day and reiterated the saying, “It is better late than never.” He assured the retirees that their payments would be made in full, not in part. Ekpobomini also expressed gratitude to the governor for prioritising retirees’ welfare and offered a prayer for his success in the upcoming gubernatorial election.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, also expressed his appreciation to the governor, acknowledging the hardships retirees have faced and highlighting the governor’s genuine concern for their well-being.

In his speech, the Head of Service, Bayo Philips, reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to resolving gratuity issues, noting that while gratuity is a significant problem in other states, Governor Aiyedatiwa has consistently ensured payments.

He expressed the civil service’s gratitude, stating that the service is in safe hands under the governor’s leadership. Philips assured that the era of delayed pensions is over, with retirees now receiving their pensions within a month of retiring, thanks to the governor’s zero tolerance for corruption in the pension sector. He concluded by thanking the governor for his efforts.

Expressing his gratitude to the governor, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr Johnson Osunyemi, noted that the payment is a significant relief for the retirees, as it has been long awaited. He assured the governor of the retirees’ support in the forthcoming state election.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Adedayo Ajayi expressed his appreciation for the governor’s efforts, stating, “This payment is a tremendous relief for me and other pensioners. I applaud Governor Aiyedatiwa for honouring his promise to us retirees. It clearly demonstrates his genuine concern for our well-being.”

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; State APC Chairman, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; along with members of the State Executive Council and other top government officials.