Ondo State Government has disbursed N2.4 billion as gratuities to pensioners who retired from the state public service in 2018 and 2019.
Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa made the announcement on Monday in Akure during the official flag-off ceremony.
Aiyedatiwa said the payment reflects his administration’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of retirees. He added that the initiative is aimed at easing the hardships pensioners face due to delayed entitlements.
He explained that the N2.4 billion was approved for verified retirees who served between 2018 and 2019. The governor also noted that this payment follows an earlier release of N2.2 billion in October 2025, which cleared gratuities owed to retirees from 2016 and 2017.
“This occasion is not merely an administrative exercise; it is a demonstration of our administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, dignity and well-being of those who served our dear state diligently and meritoriously during their active years in the public service,” he said.
“We have a duty to alleviate the plight and frustration of those who served this State in their prime but were unable to get their rightful entitlements as and when due.
“For the avoidance of doubt, our administration considers retirement not as a sunset, but a period of well-deserved rest and dignity.
“During electioneering, we made a solemn pledge to prioritise the welfare of our workers and retirees. Today, we are not merely making promises, we are again, fulfilling them.
“On assumption of office, our administration inherited a huge backlog of pension and gratuity liabilities. A backlog that carried with it stories of indefinite waiting, of pains, anguish and in some cases, of irreparable loss.
“Many of our compatriots, regrettably, did not live to see this day! However, I am pleased to reiterate that we remain committed to clearing all the arrears of gratuities and pensions in the state,” he added.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Pension Transitional Department, Mr Peter Akingbade, praised the governor for providing the resources to commence payment of the backlog.
“The good news is that the beneficiaries of this laudable initiative are not receiving partial payments, but will be paid their full gratuity entitlements.
“This is a remarkable milestone that brings relief, dignity and renewed hope to our retirees,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Mary Mabogunje, thanked the governor after the event. She appreciated that the money was paid in full at once and that senior citizens were not neglected.
