By Duchess Ifeoluwa

The Ondo State Government has concluded arrangements to commence the bulk payment of ₦2.4 billion in outstanding gratuities owed to retired public servants, in a renewed effort to clear inherited pension liabilities.

The exercise, which will benefit retirees from 2018 and 2019, is scheduled to be officially flagged off on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Akure.

According to a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, State Pension Transitional Department, Dr Peter Akingbade, the approval for the payment was granted by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as part of his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of retired workers.

Akingbade explained that the initiative forms part of the government’s ongoing effort to defray the backlog of gratuities accumulated over the years, noting that the current phase targets retirees who exited service between 2018 and 2019.

He recalled that upon assumption of office, the governor had pledged to prioritise the settlement of outstanding gratuities, beginning with retirees from 2012, with subsequent phases gradually extending to later years.

“The promise to honour retirees has become a reality under the leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa. Join us as we celebrate years of service, commitment and excellence,” the statement said.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the disbursement is expected to bring much-needed relief to beneficiaries, many of whom have waited years to receive their entitlements, while also restoring confidence in the state’s pension administration system.

He commended the state government for its sustained commitment to the welfare of senior citizens and urged all beneficiaries to arrive promptly at the venue for the flag-off ceremony.