In a significant move to address the financial backlog affecting retired civil servants, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has released N1 billion for the payment of gratuity arrears to local government workers and primary school teachers who retired in 2012.
According to THE NATION, the Ondo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, made this announcement, stating that beneficiaries would start receiving their payments on Tuesday.
The decision to release the funds in bulk rather than in piecemeal payments underscores the administration's commitment to the welfare of retirees.
“The release of this money is to ensure that the gratuities of retirees are paid in bulk rather than piecemeal. Governor Aiyedatiwa is sensitive to the plight of the people, especially retired civil servants,” Takuro said.
Takuro noted that the first tranche of bulk gratuity payments was disbursed late last year by the immediate past governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
He highlighted that Governor Aiyedatiwa aims to not only continue this initiative but also to make it a quarterly exercise.
“In continuation of this good work, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has decided not only to continue in this trend but to make it quarterly. He has been alive to his responsibilities as regards payment of pensions, salaries of workers, and other entitlements,” Takuro added.
The commissioner urged the retirees and the entire workforce to support the Aiyedatiwa-led administration, which has shown a strong commitment to improving the welfare of its citizens.