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| Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa |
AKURE – In a major move to clear the backlog of unpaid entitlements, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has flagged off the disbursement of ₦2.4 billion in gratuities to pensioners who retired in 2018 and 2019.
The ceremony, held at the Cocoa Conference Centre in Akure on Monday, March 30, 2026, marks a significant step in the administration's pledge to prioritize workers' welfare over political optics.
The Breakdown: Who is Getting Paid?
According to Dr. Peter Akingbade, Permanent Secretary of the State Pension Transitional Department, a total of 733 retirees will benefit from this round of funding:
- 2018 Batch: 391 retirees.
- 2019 Batch: 342 retirees.
- Sectors Covered: Mainstream civil service, secondary school teachers (teaching and non-teaching), and various state parastatals.
"Restoring the Dignity of Service"
Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that his administration inherited a "substantial backlog" that had caused years of anguish and even loss of life among senior citizens.
"Retirement should be a period of rest and dignity rather than uncertainty," the Governor stated, emphasizing that his government is committed to clearing all outstanding arrears in the shortest possible time.
Health and Future Payments
The Governor also urged retirees to enroll in the Ondo State Health Insurance Scheme, which has been subsidized to ensure senior citizens have access to affordable healthcare.
This latest disbursement follows a previous payment in January 2026, where over ₦1.01 billion was paid to retirees from the 2015, 2016, and 2017 (Batch B) groups.
