The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Friday, flagged off 3.2 billion naira for the completion of bulk payment to pensioners of year 2012 batch and bulk payment to year 2013 batch of pensioners of primary schools and Local Government Service of Ondo State.
It would be recalled that last month, the second batch of the payment, Governor Aiyedatiwa flagged off 1 billion naira to pensioners of primary schools and Local Government Service in the State.
The Governor described the event as a clear demonstration of his administration's desire to give priority to the well-being of the revered senior citizens, stressing that the State Government is committed to the solemn determination of paying gratuity to the senior citizens based on year of exiting the public service of Ondo State.
He emphasised that the N2.2 billion payment is intended to clear the backlog of gratuities owed to the 2015 retirees under the State Pension Scheme, while also providing N1 billion for the completion of bulk payments to the 2012 and 2013 batches of pensioners from primary schools and the Local Government Service.
He said "We are determined to walk this path of paradigm shift religiously without necessarily abridging the interest of some of our distressed pensioners who may desire and deserve to be assisted out of turn on monthly basis.
While congratulating the beneficiaries for the grace of being alive to personally collect their entitlements this day, the Governor admonished them to utilise their money judiciously while according their personal health and welfare topmost priority.
He encouraged pensioners who do not fall within this bracket to keep hope alive. "Our administration will not rest on its laurels as we owe a sacred duty to maximise the happiness and welfare of the greatest number of our people. It is at the core of our agenda that no senior citizen, who after a meritorious service to our dear State, should go to bed hungry".
Earlier in his address, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Pension Transition Department, Office of the Head of Service, Pastor Jide Ekpobomini, commended the Governor for fulfilling his promise to the retirees.
He emphasized that everything happens in its appointed time, urging patience among the people. He remarked that God has spared the lives of the retirees to witness this day and reiterated the saying, "It is better late than never." He assured the retirees that their payments would be made in full, not in part. Ekpobomini also expressed gratitude to the governor for prioritizing retirees' welfare and offered a prayer for his success in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
In his good will message, the State Commissioner for Local Government and chieftaincy affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for approving the payment of gratuity.
He noted that the governor is committed to ensuring that retirees enjoy a better life after their service. Takuro mentioned that the governor tasked him with saving funds specifically to pay pensioners and highlighted the gratitude retirees have expressed towards the governor for his compassion and dedication to their welfare.
While congratulating the retirees on witnessing the payment of gratuity, he urged them to continue to support the Governor and pray for him.
He described the Governor as a kind hearted Governor who have passion for the people of the State, stressing that the State has witnessed a lot of development since he assumed duty as the Governor.
The Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip stated that the function came from a godly mind, adding that the Governor has started well.
He noted that the payment of gratuity will give the retirees comfort, he also assured the Governor that the retirees would continue to pray for him.
Appreciating the Governor on behalf of the retirees, the Chairman, Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Mr Johnson Osunyemi noted that the payment will go a long way for them as it has been long expected, he assured the Governor of the retiree's support at the forthcoming election in the State.
Other retirees in their happy mood, sang songs to hail and appreciate the Governor, describing him as a fair, just and a man of his words and also had a prayer session for the Governor.
The event held at the Cocoa conference hall, Alagbaka Akure, had in attendance, The Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, State Chairman of SUBEB, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Special Advisers.
In attendance were; The Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, the State Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, members of the State Executive Council, among other top government functionaries.
