The disbursement of ₦3.2 billion in outstanding gratuity to pensioners in Ondo State has commenced, announced the State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Akure.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that this amount covers the total gratuity owed to retirees under the State Pension Scheme since 2015.
Of the total sum, ₦1 billion is allocated for local government retirees from 2012 and 2013, while ₦2.2 billion addresses the 2015 gratuity for state pensioners.
Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his commitment to eliminate the backlog of gratuities, restoring hope to retirees through bulk payments.
The governor affirmed the government’s commitment to provide essential infrastructure while addressing the financial challenges.
He assured further interventions as finances improve to settle subsequent years’ arrears.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged patience from retirees awaiting payments, promising prompt attention to their cases.
In an earlier statement, Mr. Amidu Takuro, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, commended the governor for settling the outstanding gratuity and acknowledging retirees’ struggles.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in the state, Mr. Johnson Osunyemi, and beneficiary Mr. Adedayo Ajayi also appreciated the governor’s efforts in resolving the gratuity issue.
Source: NAN.