Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday said his administration will henceforth ensure speedy payment of backlog of gratuities to retirees after the review of the modalities to offset such arrears owed by the government. 

Mr Aiyedatiwa gave the assurance at the flag-off and disbursement of one billion naira gratuity to the 2nd batch of bulk payments to local government retirees in Akure. 

He said the latest disbursement was in continuation of the promises made by the current administration to promote the welfare of retirees who had worked in the government service of the state. 

The governor said, “We are disbursing this one billion naira to local government retirees and teachers for this period. 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 one billion and two hundred million naira (N1.2 billion) was also performed for the year 2014 pensioners of the state civil service.”

“Today is another landmark in our avowed commitment to the welfare of our people, including workers in the service and at retirement in the Sunshine State.” 

According to him, the current batch focuses on LG retirees from 2012 and aims to settle remaining arrears from previous years.

Reiterating his administration’s dedication to the consistent and fair payment of pensions and gratuities, the governor assured that the system being put in place prioritises equity, fairness and transparency in payment.

He pleaded with those who were not included in the current batch to remain hopeful, saying that his administration would also continue its efforts to maximize the welfare of the people. 

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidun Takuro, acknowledged that many local government retirees had been facing hardship and difficulty over the years. 

Mr Takuro noted that Mr Aiyedatiwa had been challenging him with saving funds specifically to pay pensioners and expressed his appreciation to the governor for his dedication to the welfare of workers. 

Also, the state Head of Service, Bayo Philips, pointed out the numerous challenges of addressing gratuity issues, noting that some governors neglected retirees because they found it difficult to meet the huge demand. 

Earlier, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Johnson Osunyemi, said the payment was a significant relief for the retirees for it had long been awaited. 

Mr Osunyemi, however, assured the governor of the retirees’ support of his government, adding that they were behind him. 

The latest development came after pensioners in the state cried out over the non-payment of their arrears. 

Many of them, who had worked in different government ministries, said they were dying of hunger and needed the government to address their plight.