By Justus Adetomiwa
It was a moment of joy and relief for retirees in Ondo State on Monday, as the state government officially commenced the payment of ₦2.396 billion in outstanding gratuities to 2016 and 2017 retirees across the state.
The event, which held at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Akure, attracted scores of retirees who hailed the gesture as a major step towards improving their welfare and restoring dignity to life after service.
The Chairman of the Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo branch of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Apostle Francis Ogunyankinnu described the initiative as a gateway for retirees to enjoy the rest of their lives.
“It’s a very good venture by the Ondo State Government, particularly our kind-hearted Governor who has been taking good care of the pensioners. We hope he continues in this mood so that everyone can live a pleasant life after retirement,”
Speaking in a similar tone, Femi Otele, who retired in 2015, commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for fulfilling his promise to clear part of the backlog of gratuities owed to retirees.
“The governor is people-loving and genuinely concerned about pensioners. I urge the people of Ondo State to continue to support him so that he can continue doing great things for the state” Otele said
Another pensioner, Pastor Ayodele Adewusi, lauded the state government for demonstrating commitment to the welfare of senior citizens, saying the payment would make life easier and more comfortable for many families.
Also speaking, Chief Idowu Salako, a 2017 retiree, expressed optimism that the ongoing effort would be sustained.
“We are happy with what the governor is doing. We encourage him to continue his good works so that no pensioner is left behind” Salako urged
They pointed out that gratuity payment is part of the administration’s broader commitment to offset pension arrears and ensure that retirees receive their entitlements promptly.
The joyous pensioners prayed for the success of the present administration, pledging their continued support for its programmes aimed at improving the welfare of workers and retirees alike.