By Jubril Bada

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Thursday presented N1billion cheques for the payment of gratuity arrears of Local Government staff and Primary School teachers in the state.

 The Governor presented the cheques to 534 beneficiaries at the International Cultural and Event Centre (The Dome), in Akure.

 Akeredolu who was represented by his Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr. Dare Aragbaiye, said his government which is workers-friendly administration approved N1billion from the October 2023 Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocation to the local governments for the first phase of the gradual defrayment of the arrears of gratuities.

 According to him, the first tranche of N1billion has been devoted to pay the gratuities of all staff who retired in 2011 and part of 2012.

This, the governor said has become imperative despite other pressing financial commitments of the state and the limited resources available.

Akeredolu recalled that his administration met an arrears of seven months  salaries in 2017 for both the state and local governments staff.

He noted: “It is gladdening that barely a month after the state government fully paid all arrears of outstanding salaries to the local government staff and their primary school counterparts, another sum of N1billion has been set aside to pay a large chunk of the gratuity arrears being owed this category of workers who had retired from active service.

 This, he pointed out was done with a determination as another tranche would soon be approved to cater for the next batch within the first quarter of next year.

 According to him, the administration has changed the usual practice owing avalanche of unpaid pension allowances  by previous administrations.

 Akeredolu used the occasion to inform the gathering of the efforts of the state to rid communities of miscreants and criminals as well as those who engage in cult related activities in the state.

 He reiterated the commitment of the state government to the provision of basic infrastructure and amenities for the people.

The State Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele, explained that the burden on him, SA on Union Matters and Special Duties, Permanent Secretary in charge of pension and labour leaders to take care of senior citizens in the state since he assumed office has been made easy by the governor by giving them freedom to take decision in the best interest of the people.

 “We are making provision to take care payment of gratuities with not less than N200million every month.

“We have already started paying 2014 gratuity for state. In January.”

 While calling on pensioners to continue to be patient with the government, Ogundele assured them that the remaining for 2012 will be paid.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said since inception, Governor Akeredolu-led administration has been facing a lot of challenges particularly on arrears of salary and other numerous debts owed by previous administrations.

  He thanked retirees for their patience and support with prayers for the quick recovery of the governor.

 In an interview with journalists, the State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr. Johnson Osunyemi, commended the governor for prioritizing the welfare of pensioners and workers in the state.

 A retired nurse, Mrs. Modupeoluwa Ogunsuyi and a retired head teacher, Mr. Ayodele Oluwafoise in an interview with The Hope, expressed satisfaction with the payment of their gratuities.

 Oluwafoise who had retired 12 years ago said it was a thing of joy to receive the reward of his labour.