0
0
ONDO PAYS 2015 N2.6BN LG WORKERS GRATUITIES AS AIYEDATIWA ASSURES CLEARING OF OUTSTANDINGS
The Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has promised to pay all arrears of graduities before the end of his first term in office as he flags off the payment of N2,614,226,954.88 bulk gratuity arrears to local government workers and primary school teachers that retired in the year 2015.
The event which held in Akure the state capital,was described as a major milestone in the state government’s commitment to ensuring public servants retire with dignity and honor.
Delivering the keynote address, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, stated that the payment of the multi-billion Naira bulk sum, was part of a 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 and remains fully committed to defraying all outstanding gratuities before the end of our tenure,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The Governor disclosed that the State Government had successfully cleared gratuity arrears for 2012, 2013, and 2014 sets of retirees.
He added that the current payments would be paid directly beneficiaries’ bank accounts to eliminate middle-men, stop lobbying, and guarantee total transparency.
The Governor further revealed that plans are underway to digitalize pension and gratuity administration in the state to simplify computation and improve access to information for prospective retirees.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, stated that the payment was in fulfillment of the Governor’s directive to offset outstanding retirement benefits.
“I am here to appreciate God Almighty for giving us this day to celebrate the lives of our fathers and mothers to the service of local government since 2015.
“Today, the Governor gave us a directive that under his watch, in his first tenure, he wants to offset everything that has to do with gratuity and the affairs of pensioners. This has been his priority, and he said under his watch, never shall you be begging for your pension again,” Takuro said.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Media in the ministry, Abooluwa Famakinwa, the commissioner also commended the state’s local government Chairmen and the Deputy Governor for their cooperation and synergy in achieving the target.
In his remarks, the Ondo State Head of Service, Chief Segun Odusanya, noted that the gesture reinforces confidence in public institutions and serves as a powerful affirmation that diligent service deserves 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,” Odusanya 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. He lauded the Aiyedatiwa led administration for placing workers’ welfare at the forefront despite competing demands on limited resources.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ondo State Chapter, Elder Johnson Osunyemi, expressed profound gratitude to the state government for remembering the 2015 set 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.
He noted that making free healthcare available to all pensioners would go a long way in meeting their critical health needs at retirement and easing their financial burdens.
He further thanked the governor for prioritizing the overall well-being of senior citizens and assured him of the continuous prayers and support of the pensioners across the state.
About The Author
