Governor Flags Off ₦1.4 Billion Payment for Pensioners
GOV. AIYEDATIWA CLEARS ₦1.4B GRATUITY ARREARS OF 2014 LG RETIREES, PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
Payment follows those of 2011, 2012, and 2013 settled in the last one year
Governor promises continued transparency and fairness in pension payments
In continuation of his administration’s commitment to clearing the backlog of unpaid gratuities of retired workers in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Monday, October 13, 2025, flagged off the payment of ₦1.4 billion to pensioners who retired from the local government and primary school system in 2014.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the gesture as a continuation of the bulk gratuity payment initiative he introduced while serving as Deputy Governor. The initiative is aimed at clearing the backlog of unpaid entitlements and restoring confidence among retirees.
He explained that the disbursement followed his administration’s structured payment process, which uses the year of exit from public service as the sole qualification criterion, ensuring fairness, transparency, and predictability.
He said:
“I started this even when I was Deputy Governor. I presented a case to the then Governor, which he approved for us, and we started that initiative of saving money. Periodically, any time we have an allocation that is good enough, we set aside some funds to settle the gratuities of our retirees. This will continue now that we are fully in charge as Governor.
This exercise being undertaken today is in line with our payment process, which uses the year of exit from public service as the only qualification criterion. We thank God Almighty for enabling us to restore hope to our pensioners, who before now had lost hope of ever being paid their gratuity in full after meritorious service to the state and to humanity.
The bulk payment for the 2014 set of pensioners we are flagging off today further demonstrates our commitment to the welfare of the elderly and vulnerable segments of our population, in line with this administration’s policy thrust. Our decision to adopt and consistently apply the year of exit as the sole qualification for bulk payment is intended to make the process transparent, predictable, and inclusive.”
The Governor added that the bulk payments for the 2011, 2012, and 2013 sets under his administration were unprecedented in the state’s history.
He continued:
>“Today, we are settling the 2014 batch, and very soon, we will clear 2015, and so on, until everyone is paid. Since assuming office, we have paid serious and deliberate attention to the welfare of pensioners in Ondo State. This state is one of the few in Nigeria that has approved an upward review of a flat ₦30,000 rate for pensioners to cushion the impact of the global economic downturn affecting the nation.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that prompt payment of pensions is not an achievement but a constitutional and moral responsibility.
He said:
“Most times, we feel reluctant to list prompt payment of pension allowances and consequential adjustments as achievements, because paying monthly pensions to our senior citizens is our duty. However, when we compare the current situation to times when pensions were paid in percentages and fractions, there is indeed a reason to celebrate.”
He expressed hope that the disbursement would restore confidence among pensioners and assure serving workers of their own future entitlements.
“The consistent and prompt payment of gratuities and pension entitlements is not merely a financial lifeline for our senior citizens, but an investment in their well-being. With the gratuities being paid out and the upward pension review to a flat ₦30,000 rate, the financial stability and welfare of our pensioners have significantly improved.”
He also announced that the next of kin of three local government staff members who lost their lives in a motor accident while on official duty to Ibaro, Niger State, would receive cheques for their terminal benefits to help ease their families’ burden.
The Governor commended the synergy between the National Union of Pensioners (NUP) and the Local Government Pension Transitional Department, describing their cooperation as essential to the success of the state’s pension initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the Head of Service, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Adeniran Ikuomola, praised the Governor for his compassion and prioritization of pensioners’ welfare despite other pressing developmental needs.
He said:
“First, I must thank God for our parents here today. Most of them retired about 11 years ago and are likely in their seventies. On behalf of everyone in the service, I thank the Governor for bringing them together and paying their gratuities.
Mr. Governor had a choice—he could have used ₦1.4 billion for other things—but he chose to prioritize the elderly. What you are doing today is not just for the retired officers, but for all of us still in service and for the people of the state, as it has a multiplier effect.”
Dr. Ikuomola encouraged the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely, focus on their health, and enroll in the state’s Contributory Health Scheme to better manage their resources.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, praised the Governor for introducing the pension savings initiative during his tenure as Deputy Governor. He noted that it enabled regular savings toward gratuity payments.
He said:
“Your Excellency, you directed that pensioners in our state must be taken care of. You said during the election that they stood by you, prayed for you, and voted for you, and you are determined to make them smile. A week ago, you asked about the balance we’ve saved. When we told you, you said, ‘What are you waiting for? Pay them now!’ You also instructed that every quarter, we must save enough money for our pensioners.”
The Chairman of the National Union of Pensioners (NUP), Johnson Osunyemi, who spoke on behalf of the pensioners, commended the Governor for restoring dignity to retirees and rekindling their hope.
In attendance at the event were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; members of the State Executive Council; Chairman, Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan; Permanent Secretaries; and other top government functionaries.
