Ondo begins ₦3.82bn gratuity payment to 985 retirees

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, recently initiated the payment of ₦3.82 billion in gratuities to 985 retirees in the state. The recipients are 509 retirees from the 2020 batch and 476 retirees from the 2015-2019 batches, serving in the civil service, secondary schools, and state parastatals. Governor Aiyedatiwa referred to the payment as a "debt of honour," committed to clearing the inherited gratuity arrears from previous administrations.

He stressed the importance of fulfilling obligations to workers who served the state, emphasizing that governance involves addressing outstanding responsibilities. The state had inherited significant arrears, and Aiyedatiwa pledged to clear all inherited obligations before leaving office. The Pension Transition Office confirmed that beneficiaries would receive full entitlements and urged those still in the verification process to complete it.

Retirees and the Nigeria Union of Pensioners expressed appreciation for the payment, acknowledging it as a significant step in addressing pension-related obligations. The payment brings the state closer to its goal of clearing inherited gratuity arrears and improving welfare for retired public servants.