Pensioners hail governor for restoring hope, dignity of senior citizens
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has once again won the hearts of retirees as his administration released ₦2.396 billion to clear outstanding gratuities owed to civil servants who retired in 2016 and 2017.
The latest payment, flagged off at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure, on Monday, marks another bold step in the governor’s ongoing effort to settle inherited pension and gratuity arrears in the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, while addressing the gathering of jubilant pensioners, said the gesture underscored his administration’s determination to ensure that every retired worker receives their entitlement without bias or delay.
“This disbursement is not by chance,” he said. “It is a product of consistent planning and a clear commitment to honour those who gave their strength and intellect to build Ondo State.”
The governor noted that the payment came barely a week after his administration disbursed ₦1.4 billion to local government and primary school retirees. He added that his government had adopted the “year of exit” approach to eliminate favouritism in the gratuity process.
Since assuming office, Aiyedatiwa has maintained a monthly release of ₦180 million to defray gratuity arrears while ensuring prompt payment of pensions at both state and local government levels.
He listed other welfare initiatives, including the payment of ₦2.236 billion to 2015 retirees, a ₦30,000 monthly palliative allowance for pensioners, and the installation of over 15,000 meters under the O’Datiwa Metering Programme. The governor also cited ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Imafon–Scab Filling Station road and the establishment of the State Senior Secondary Education Board.
Reaffirming his administration’s pro-people stance, Aiyedatiwa urged pensioners to enrol in the state’s health insurance scheme to ensure access to affordable healthcare.
Permanent Secretary, Pension Transitional Department, Mrs Bunmi Alade, described the exercise as historic, noting that it was the first time in Ondo State that gratuities covering two years were cleared at once.
The State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade Johnson Osuyemi, also praised the governor for “restoring the dignity and confidence” of senior citizens. He said many pensioners who had endured years of hardship could now heave a sigh of relief.
The ceremony drew key government officials, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; and Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, among others.
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