Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has kicked off the third batch of payments of a sum of N3.2 billion arrears of gratuities to retirees in the state.

The payout consists of N1 billion in gratuities to retirees from the Local Government and N2.2 billion to state civil service retirees.

Speaking during the presentation event in the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed that the welfare of senior citizens who have devotedly served the State during their prime will remain a top priority for his administration.

“Today marks yet another turning point in our unwavering dedication to the welfare of our people, including State workers and retirees,” he declared.

“All retirees can feel secure knowing that the unpaid gratuity backlog will be cleared sooner than later concerning this reliable and consistent method of bulk payment. Despite other urgent financial obligations of the government and the scarcity of resources, we regard this as a duty.” According to him, N1.2 billion was paid in January 2024, while N1.18 billion was given in installments to retirees who were having financial difficulties between January and June 2024.

Alhaji Amidu Takuro, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, also complimented the Governor for showing sincere care for the welfare of the State’s pensioners.

Johnson Osunyemi, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in Ondo State, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa’s government for remembering the retirees.

He mentioned that the retirees are greatly relieved by the payout, which has been long awaited. Osunyemi bemoaned the fact that many pensioners had passed away while waiting for their benefits because of prolonged delays.

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