Ondo begins ₦3.82bn gratuity payment to 985 retirees

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa inaugurated the disbursement of ₦3.82 billion in gratuity payments to 985 retirees throughout the state. These beneficiaries span 509 retirees from the 2020 cohort and 476 retirees from the 2015-2019 batches, hailing from the general civil service, secondary institutions, and state-owned enterprises.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, in a X post, characterized the payment as a "debt of honor," acknowledging his administration's pledge to settle the outstanding gratuity arrears inherited from previous administrations.

The governor underscored the state's inherited debt of billions of naira in outstanding gratuities, emphasizing the commitment of his administration to systematically resolve these financial obligations. Aiyedatiwa pledged to clear all inherited gratuity arrears before his tenure concludes, noting that governance extends beyond initiating new projects to addressing prior obligations.

The Pension Transition Office confirmed that beneficiaries will receive their complete gratuity entitlements, urging retirees yet to complete the verification process to do so for future payments.

Representatives from retirees and the Nigeria Union of Pensioners commended the governor's move, viewing it as a significant step toward addressing pension-related obligations in the state. The retirees expressed gratitude to the state government, stating the payment would offer much-needed relief to those who have awaited their entitlements for years.

This latest payment brings the state closer to its objective of clearing inherited gratuity arrears and enhancing the welfare of retired public servants. Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated his commitment to settling outstanding obligations to retirees while simultaneously pursuing further development initiatives across the state.