Aiyedatiwa Orders Vacancy Collation, Immediate Payment of 2026 Leave Bonuses
…Proposed recruitment to add over ₦800m to monthly wage bill
Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has directed the immediate collation of existing vacancies across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) as part of plans to recruit additional personnel into the state’s public service.
The governor has also ordered the immediate payment of 2026 leave bonuses to state and local government workers, while directing that preparations for the 2027 promotion exercise begin without delay.
The Head of Service, Sir Segun Odusanya, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on activities lined up for the 2026 Public Service Week celebration in Ondo State.
Odusanya explained that the proposed recruitment followed the government’s observation that the public service had become top-heavy, stressing that the exercise would address manpower needs and strengthen service delivery.
He, however, noted that the financial implications of the recruitment had been considered, adding that the engagement of additional personnel was expected to increase the state’s monthly wage bill by more than ₦800 million.
On workers’ welfare, the Head of Service said the governor had directed the immediate payment of the 2026 leave bonuses to eligible state and local government employees.
According to him, payment of the bonuses to local government workers had commenced, while the Accountant-General had been directed to facilitate payment to state government workers.
Odusanya said the directive followed discussions between the governor and labour leaders on issues affecting workers’ welfare.
He added that the government had continued to meet its obligations regarding the payment of salaries and applicable allowances, describing the measures as part of its commitment to workers’ financial stability.
Government Approves ₦500m Loan Fund
The Head of Service also disclosed that the state government had approved an additional ₦500 million seed fund for housing and motor vehicle loan schemes for public servants.
He said the government had equally approved upward reviews of loan ceilings and Duty Tour Allowances payable to officers undertaking approved official assignments within and outside the state, including international engagements.
According to him, the measures are intended to improve workers’ welfare and address prevailing economic realities.
On career progression, Odusanya stated that all officers due for promotion in the 2026 cycle had received their promotion letters, while preparations for the 2027 exercise were already underway.
He explained that the promotion exercises covered the mainstream civil service, primary and secondary teaching services, as well as relevant government parastatals.
The Head of Service added that the administration was paying attention to manpower development, career progression and improvements in the working environment.
Government Addresses Pension, Gratuity Arrears
Odusanya further disclosed that the government had continued efforts towards the gradual settlement of inherited gratuity arrears owed to state and local government pensioners.
He identified the harmonisation of pensions for retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries as another significant development in the administration’s efforts to address pension-related concerns.
According to him, the initiative recognises the contributions of senior public servants who devoted their productive years to the development of Ondo State.
He said the government’s continued attention to pension and gratuity obligations reflected its commitment to the financial well-being of retired workers.
Public Service Week Activities Begin
Meanwhile, the Head of Service announced a six-day programme for the 2026 Public Service Week celebration, following a pre-event interactive session held on Thursday, October 8, at the Adegbemile Cultural Centre, Akure.
He said the interactive session provided an opportunity to engage public servants, listen to their concerns and discuss issues affecting the administration and performance of the workforce.
The official activities commenced on Monday, October 12, with a press briefing to unveil the objectives and expected outcomes of the celebration.
Tuesday’s programme featured a health walk from the Adegbemile Cultural Centre to the Akure Township Stadium, followed by a novelty football match between the mainstream civil service and the teaching service.
On Wednesday, October 14, public servants drawn from the teaching services, local government service, judiciary, legislative arm and mainstream civil service, representing the three senatorial districts of the state, are scheduled to converge at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Akure.
The gathering is expected to promote unity and solidarity among workers and strengthen their collective commitment to effective service delivery.
Thursday, October 15, will feature a public service lecture and panel discussion on the theme, “Harnessing Public Service for Good Governance.”
The session is expected to examine the responsibilities of public institutions and officers in promoting effective administration and citizen-centred service delivery.
Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries will also participate in the panel discussion, sharing their experiences and offering practical lessons to serving officers.
Odusanya said the engagement would provide an opportunity to strengthen institutional memory, encourage intergenerational learning and promote professionalism and accountability in the public service.
The celebration will continue on Friday, October 16, with a Muslim thanksgiving service at the Government House Mosque, Akure.
It will conclude on Sunday, October 18, with a Christian thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Akure
