News Investigators/ The Ondo State Government has flagged-off the payment of N2.61 billion bulk gratuity arrears to retired local government workers and primary school teachers of 2015.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, at the event on Wednesday in Akure, described the payment as a major milestone in the state government’s commitment to ensure public servants retired with dignity and honor.
Mr Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, stated that the release of the multi-billion naira bulk sum was part of sustained effort to clear all inherited gratuity liabilities.
“Today’s event is a testament to our sustained commitment to clearing the massive arrears of gratuities inherited by our administration.
“While no amount of explanation can fully compensate for the delay, I wish to assure you that our administration understands your concern.
“We remain fully committed to defraying all outstanding gratuities before the end of our tenure,” Mr Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor disclosed that the state government had already cleared gratuities for 2012, 2013, and 2014 set of retirees.
According to him, the current payment will be deposited directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts to eliminate middle-men, stop lobbying, and guarantee total transparency.
He further revealed that plans were underway to digitalise pension and gratuity administration across the state for simplified computation and improved access to information for prospective retirees.
Also, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, said the payment was in fulfillment of the governor’s directive to offset outstanding retirement
“This has been his priority, and he said under his watch, never shall you be begging for your pension again,” Takuro said.
He also commended the state’s local government chairmen and the deputy governor for cooperation and synergy in achieving the target.
Earlier, the Ondo State Head of Service, Chief Segun Odunsaya, noted that the gesture reinforced confidence in public institutions and served as a powerful affirmation of diligent service which deserved recognition.
“This gathering is not merely about the payment of retirement benefits.
“It is a powerful affirmation of an enduring principle that those who dedicate their productive years to the service of society deserve to retire with dignity and the assurance that their sacrifices are remembered and valued,” Odunsaya stated.
He added that as primary school teachers and local government officers, the retirees had nurtured minds driving the economy and brought governance closer to the grassroots.
Odusanya lauded the administration for placing workers’ welfare at the forefront despite competing demands on limited resources.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Elder Johnson Osunyemi, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ondo State Chapter, expressed gratitude to the state government for the gesture after an 11-year wait.
Osunyemi specifically lauded the state government for its holistic approach to senior citizens’ welfare, particularly the provision of free healthcare services.
“Free healthcare available to all pensioners will go a long way in meeting their critical health needs at retirement and easing their financial burdens.
“We thank the governor for prioritising the overall well-being of senior citizens. He will always have our continuous prayers and support,” he said.
NAN