The event marked not just a financial transaction but a symbolic gesture of gratitude toward individuals who dedicated decades of their lives to advancing Ondo State’s progress. In an official statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Governor Aiyedatiwa outlined the rationale behind this payout, framing it as an integral component of a meticulously crafted policy aimed at ensuring equity, openness, and accountability in handling retirees’ entitlements. “This payment is the fruition of our administration’s genuine commitment and steadfast determination to recognize the men and women who invested their energy, wisdom, and prime years in building Ondo State,” the statement quoted the Governor as saying. He further stressed that settling these obligations is far from a discretionary favor; rather, it constitutes a fundamental moral and legal responsibility that his government holds in the highest regard.
Governor Aiyedatiwa elaborated on the broader vision, declaring, “Retirement should not signify an abrupt end but a graceful and respectful shift into a new phase of life, one that is marked by fairness, honor, and dignity.” He highlighted the administration’s proactive measures since taking office, including a consistent monthly allocation of ₦180 million specifically targeted at reducing gratuity backlogs. This is complemented by the timely disbursement of pensions across both state and local government tiers, ensuring that no retiree is left in limbo. The Governor reiterated that the “year of exit” criterion remains the exclusive benchmark for determining eligibility and sequencing of gratuity payments, a method he praised for its impartiality in preventing any form of favoritism or administrative disorder.
This latest release of ₦2.396 billion is positioned as a seamless extension of the government’s systematic roadmap to liquidate longstanding debts, thereby rebuilding trust among the retiree community. Just days prior, the administration had already demonstrated its resolve by releasing ₦1.4 billion to retirees from local government areas and primary schools, underscoring a renewed pledge to alleviate pension-induced hardships that have plagued many families for years.
Beyond these pension-focused actions, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s address painted a picture of a holistic, people-first governance model. He enumerated several other welfare-enhancing programs rolled out under his leadership, such as the earlier settlement of ₦2.236 billion in gratuities for 2015 retirees. Additionally, pensioners now benefit from a ₦30,000 monthly stipend introduced as relief amid fuel subsidy adjustments, providing a buffer against rising living costs. On the infrastructure front, the administration has installed solar-powered streetlights to improve safety and visibility in communities, invested heavily in digital connectivity to bridge the technological divide, and launched the innovative O’Datiwa Metering Programme. This initiative has already distributed over 15,000 electricity meters to households within its first year, promoting fair billing and reducing disputes over power consumption.
The Governor also spotlighted ongoing developmental projects that align welfare with progress, including the construction of a six-kilometer road connecting Scab Filling Station to Imafon, which promises to enhance transportation and economic activity in the area. Another milestone is the creation of the State Senior Secondary Education Board, designed to streamline and elevate secondary education standards. “Infrastructure development and human welfare are inseparable pillars of our agenda,” he affirmed, emphasizing that these efforts are interconnected to foster sustainable growth.
In a call to action, Governor Aiyedatiwa encouraged all retirees to register with the Ondo State Health Insurance Scheme, portraying affordable healthcare access as the bedrock of a fulfilling and extended retirement. “Health is the cornerstone of true happiness and longevity in one’s golden years,” he noted, while pledging uninterrupted efforts to ensure that both pensioners and active civil servants receive their due entitlements without delay.
The ceremony featured commendations from key stakeholders who underscored the historic nature of these payments. Mrs. Bunmi Alade, Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Pension Transitional Department, lauded the Governor for placing retirees’ needs at the forefront despite pressing demands in other sectors like roads, education, and security. She revealed that this was an unprecedented achievement in Ondo State’s annals—the simultaneous clearance of two complete years’ worth of gratuity arrears.
Comrade Johnson Osuyemi, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) Ondo State chapter, echoed this sentiment with profound gratitude. He described how prolonged delays had driven some pensioners to the edge of despair, with many facing eviction, medical neglect, or inability to support their families. However, the Governor’s introduction of structured monthly payments has emerged as a vital “lifeline,” injecting predictability and hope into their lives. Osuyemi hailed Aiyedatiwa as a leader of empathy who truly comprehends the sacrifices of those who laid the groundwork for the state’s public service framework, expressing the union’s optimism for continued improvements under his stewardship.
The flag-off event drew a distinguished gathering of state luminaries, reflecting broad institutional support. Among the attendees were Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly; Prince Segun Omojuwa, Chief of Staff to the Governor; Mr. Bayo Philip, Head of Service; various members of the State Executive Council; and numerous Permanent Secretaries along with other accounting officers. Their presence underscored the administration’s unified front in prioritizing retiree welfare amid multifaceted governance challenges.
Overall, this ₦2.396 billion payout transcends mere fiscal policy; it embodies a deeper commitment to social justice, recognizing that the strength of any society lies in how it treats its elders. As Ondo State continues on this path, retirees can look forward to a future where their service is not forgotten but celebrated through tangible actions that affirm their enduring value to the Sunshine State.
