Ondo State Governor Continues Bulk Payment of Gratuity to Retirees
By Exponent News Akure, 14th February, 2025
In a significant move to honor retirees, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, announced the continuation of bulk defrayment of outstanding gratuities owed to retirees from primary schools and local government services in the state. This initiative was marked by a ceremony held at the Cocoa Conference Centre, Governor’s Office, Akure, on Friday, 14th February 2025.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his deep gratitude for the privilege to lead the process of clearing the debts owed to senior citizens for their dedicated service. He noted that, to date, the state government has disbursed over N3.0 billion in gratuity payments, covering retirees up to 2012, with plans to allocate an additional N2.5 billion for those who retired in 2013.
The Governor highlighted that while the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) aims to prevent future gratuity backlog, the old system of the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) remains a challenge. Despite these financial hurdles, Aiyedatiwa emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing the outstanding gratuity debts, ensuring that retirees are treated with the dignity they deserve.
In addition to addressing financial concerns, Aiyedatiwa reiterated the state’s commitment to a fair and transparent payment system, where pensioners’ eligibility is based solely on the year of their retirement, putting an end to past practices of selective payments based on political power dynamics.
As the state prepares for his upcoming inauguration on February 24th, 2025, Aiyedatiwa assured retirees and citizens that his administration would continue to prioritize their welfare and work towards improved financial stability in Ondo State. The Governor expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the support of retirees, assuring them that with enhanced state finances, further gratuity payments would be made promptly.
He concluded by thanking all attendees and wishing them safe travels, while invoking blessings for the continued prosperity of the Sunshine State.
