Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has cleared ₦1.4 billion in unpaid gratuities for retired local government workers and primary school teachers who exited service in 2014.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Akure on Monday, Aiyedatiwa described the move as a continuation of the bulk gratuity payment initiative he introduced as Deputy Governor, aimed at restoring fairness and transparency in settling retirees’ entitlements.
“We’ve paid gratuities for 2011 to 2013 under this system. Today, we’re clearing 2014, and we’ll continue until all are settled,” he said.
The governor explained that the structured process uses year of exit from service as the sole qualification, ensuring orderly and predictable payments.
He also highlighted other pro-pensioner policies, including an upward review of the minimum pension to ₦30,000, positioning Ondo among the few states offering such support amid economic hardship.
“Paying pensions is not an achievement; it’s our duty. But compared to times when pensions were paid in fractions, there’s reason to celebrate,” he added.
