The Ondo State Government has commenced the disbursement of ₦2.39 billion as gratuity payments to civil servants who retired between 2016 and 2017, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of pensioners.
Speaking at the official launch of the payment exercise, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said retirement should not be viewed as an end, but rather as “a dignified transition—a well-earned season of rest, reward and respect.” He noted that the initiative demonstrates his administration’s dedication to fairness, transparency, and compassion towards retirees.
Aiyedatiwa explained that his government had sustained the monthly release of ₦180 million to offset gratuity arrears, providing relief to pensioners, especially those facing health and financial difficulties. The new disbursement, he said, follows a structured payment system that ensures fairness by using the year of exit from service as the key qualification.
“This disbursement is part of our ongoing effort to ensure that every retiree receives what is rightfully theirs without delay or bias,” the governor said. “Our retirees deserve empathy, honour and respect for their years of service to the state. Paying their entitlements is both a moral and constitutional obligation.”
He further revealed that a similar payment had earlier been made to local government retirees, and assured that his administration remained determined to clear all outstanding gratuity obligations in the state.
Mr. Olubunmi Alade, Permanent Secretary of the Pension Transitional Department, commended the governor for his support, describing the initiative as unprecedented—the first time in the state’s history that gratuities covering two full years were being settled at once.
Also speaking, Mr. Johnson Osunyemi, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ondo State Council, thanked the governor on behalf of pensioners, saying the payment had renewed their hope and confidence in the government.
