​Ondo State Disburses N2.6 Billion Gratuity to 2015 Batch of Retirees

ValidViewNetwork reports that the Ondo State government has officially commenced the disbursement of over N2.6 billion to retired local government and primary school workers who exited the civil service in 2015. This latest financial release marks the fourth batch of gratuity payments under the current administration, highlighting ongoing efforts to clear long-standing backlogs owed to senior citizens. ValidViewNetwork reports that the ceremonial flag-off for the payment exercise took place on Wednesday at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Akure, drawing key government officials and labor union representatives.

​During the event, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the release of the funds underscores his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of senior citizens in the state, in line with the objectives of the OUR EASE development agenda, ValidViewNetwork reports. Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor disclosed that his administration had already cleared gratuity arrears for retirees from 2012, 2013 and 2014, reaffirming the government’s determination to pay all outstanding gratuities before the expiration of his tenure. According to him, a total sum of N2,614,266,954.88 will be paid directly into the accounts of beneficiaries in the 2015 batch. Governor Aiyedatiwa attributed the successful release of the funds to deliberate planning, prudent financial management and his administration’s resolve to prioritise the welfare of the people. While urging the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money, particularly by investing in their health and overall wellbeing, the governor also commended the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) for their cooperation and continued advocacy for the welfare of their members, ValidViewNetwork reports.

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​Administrative officials provided further context on the fiscal strategy enabling the payout. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said the governor had directed that special funds be set aside monthly specifically for the payment of retirees’ gratuities, a move he described as a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare. In his remarks, the Head of Service, Chief Segun Odusanya, described Ondo state’s workforce as dedicated and productive, noting that many retirees had served the state with diligence and distinction, while thanking the governor for creating an enabling environment that supports workers and retirees alike. Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Mr. Johnson Osunyemi, expressed appreciation to the governor for sustaining the bulk payment of gratuities, saying the gesture had restored hope and confidence among pensioners in the state. He further noted that pensioners in Ondo state have continued to receive their monthly pensions promptly since the inception of the present administration. Ultimately, this massive multi-billion naira financial injection not only delivers long-awaited economic relief directly to the bank accounts of thousands of deserving local heroes, but it also sets a powerful, gold-standard benchmark for proactive governance and worker welfare that will undoubtedly resonate across the entire region for years to come.