The Ondo State government has cleared ₦12 billion for the payment of gratuities to retired local government staff, according to a statement issued Tuesday.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Olatunji Odeyemi, confirmed the approval and noted the payment is expected to “restore dignity” to retirees. He said the fund will cover all eligible retirees across the 18 local government areas.
Odeyemi added, “We believe that every citizen who served our communities deserves respect, even after retirement.” He explained that the state government has released the money to consolidate financial obligations to former workers.
The move comes amid financial pressures in many states, where difficulties in paying retirement benefits have become a recurrent issue. The disbursement by Ondo is likely to be welcomed by retired civil servants across the state.
