Aiyedatiwa said the gesture was in continuation of the efforts towards promoting the welfare of retirees in the state.
The first batch of the money was disbursed to the pensioners in November 2023.
Speaking at the flag of the disbursement in Akure, the state capital, Aiyedatiwa said his administration was reviewing the template for the payment of gratuity to pensioners towards speedy payment of backlog owed by the government.
According to him, previous payments made under his administration had been a substantial relief provided to many retirees in the state.
He promised that such regular payments would not cease.
The governor said, “Today (Tuesday) is another landmark in our avowed commitment to the welfare of our people, including workers in service and at retirement in the Sunshine State.
“In November 2023, the first batch of this innovative bulk payment of outstanding gratuity of our former local government staff and primary school teachers was carried out. In January 2024, another flag-off of payment of N1.2 billion was also performed for the year 2014 pensioners of the state civil service.”
Aiyedatiwa emphasised that the current batch focused predominantly on LG retirees from the year 2012 and aimed to settle remaining arrears from previous years, reiterating his administration’s dedication to the consistent and fair payment of pensions and gratuities to the retirees.
He urged those who were not included in the current batch to remain hopeful as the administration continued its efforts to maximize the happiness and welfare of the greatest number of people.
In a remark, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, who thanked the governor for his prompt action, acknowledged that the retirees had been facing hardship for many years.
Takuro disclosed that the governor had tasked him with saving funds specifically to pay pensioners and highlighted the gratitude retirees had expressed towards the governor for his compassion and dedication to their welfare.
Expressing his gratitude to the governor, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Johnson Osunyemi, noted that the payment was a significant relief for the retirees, as it had been long awaited. He assured the governor of the retirees’ support in the forthcoming election.
One of the affected pensioners and retired teacher, Joshua Adeoye, thanked the governor for his compassion and interest in the welfare of pensioners in the state.
