Fatshimetrie recently held a landmark event in Akure, where Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced a N3.2 billion disbursement for the payment of pensioner gratuities in Ondo State. The move is aimed at clearing the entirety of the 2015 pensioner gratuities under the state pension scheme.
In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that out of the amount, N1 billion would be specifically allocated for the settlement of the 2012 and 2013 Local Government Pensioners’ Gratuities, while N2.2 billion would be earmarked for the settlement of the 2015 State Pensioner Gratuities.
This well thought out and consistent bulk payment is aimed at addressing the problem of the daunting arrears that have, so to speak, made our esteemed pensioners lose hope. The governor assured that the retirees can be confident that sooner or later, the arrears of gratuities will be fully settled.
In spite of the other pressing financial commitments of the government and the limited resources available, this administration regards the payment of gratuities as a duty. The governor pledged to continue providing basic infrastructure to the people of the state and promised that as finances improve, other special interventions will be put in place to gradually clear the arrears in subsequent years.
Amidu Takuro, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, expressed gratitude to the governor for the payment of the outstanding gratuities, while acknowledging the challenges facing retirees in the state. Similarly, the Chairman of the Union of Pensioners of Nigeria in the state, Johnson Osunyemi, commended the governor for the payment of the outstanding gratuities.
In conclusion, this act of payment of gratuity arrears demonstrates the commitment of the governor and his administration to the welfare of retirees in Ondo State. It is a significant step towards ensuring that all retirees receive their dues as soon as possible, and it is a ray of hope for those still waiting for their turn.