For years, many retired civil servants in Ondo State lived through an unending cycle of waiting and worry.
They had given their strength, intellect, and loyalty to the service of the state, only to spend their retirement years in uncertainty – queuing endlessly for benefits that never came.
Some passed on without receiving their entitlements. Others endured hardship, borrowing to survive.
But the story has changed and dramatically so – under the compassionate leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
“We are not just paying figures; we are restoring dignity,” Aiyedatiwa assured
On October 20, 2025, Governor Aiyedatiwa fulfilled yet another promise to the people when he cleared ₦2.396 billion in gratuity arrears for 2016 and 2017 retirees.
The flag-off ceremony, held at the Cocoa Conference Centre, Governor’s Office, Akure, brought joy and relief to hundreds of retirees who had long awaited the reward for their years of dedicated service.
This latest move followed earlier releases of ₦1.4 billion for local government and primary school retirees, and ₦2.236 billion already paid to the 2015 batch – clear proof that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s promises are backed by consistent action.
To eliminate confusion and favouritism, the Governor introduced the “year of exit” system as the sole criterion for gratuity payment – a move widely applauded by pension administrators.
He has also sustained a ₦180 million monthly release to offset arrears and ensured the regular payment of pensions across the state.
The introduction of a ₦30,000 monthly support allowance for pensioners, designed to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal, further underscores his human-centred approach to governance.
On the occasion, Bunmi Alade, Permanent Secretary, Pension Transitional Department said “for the first time in the state’s history, two full years of gratuity arrears are being cleared at once.”
When retirees are paid, the local economy feels it. Markets come alive again, artisans find work, and communities experience renewed economic activity.
Governor Aiyedatiwa understands that empowering retirees is also empowering the economy. Each payment to a retiree ripples through neighbourhoods – reviving small businesses and stimulating inclusive growth at the grassroots.
At the flag-off event, the atmosphere was filled with gratitude. The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade Johnson Osuyemi, described the gesture as “redemption long awaited.”
He said many retirees who once lost faith in government now believe again – thanks to the Governor’s sincerity and consistency.
As one who has followed this administration closely, I believe Governor Aiyedatiwa’s style of leadership deserves collective support. He has shown that compassion and accountability can coexist – that government can truly serve the people.
But this progress can only be sustained through the unity and cooperation of all residents. The Governor’s vision for Ondo State is one of shared prosperity – a future where every citizen benefits from honest and efficient governance.
Governor Aiyedatiwa has assured that more people-oriented programmes are on the way, from youth empowerment and agricultural development to healthcare, housing, and road infrastructure renewal.
His administration’s focus remains clear: to build a prosperous Ondo State where development is both measurable and meaningful.
“The welfare of every citizen, young or old will remain at the heart of government policy,” Aiyedatiwa assured
From waiting to winning, the story of Ondo retirees now stands as proof that good governance is not a myth – it is real and alive in Ondo State.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has turned forgotten promises into fulfilled hopes, and uncertainty into confidence. He has restored the dignity of service and given new meaning to leadership built on empathy, fairness, and results.
Indeed, the best is yet to come!
Hon. Kikelomo Isijola is Special Assistant to Governor Aiyedatiwa on Digital Media
