₦3.823bn Gratuity: OSEPC Commends Aiyedatiwa for Flag-Off, Urges Timely and Transparent Payment to 2020 Retirees
Akure, Ondo State — Thursday, September 3, 2026 — The Ondo State Education Preservation Coalition (OSEPC) has commended the Ondo State Government for the flag-off of the payment of ₦3.823 billion in gratuity to retirees who exited the state public service in 2020, describing the development as a welcome relief to men and women who devoted many productive years of their lives to serving the state.
For OSEPC, the significance of the payment goes far beyond the figure involved. Behind the ₦3.823 billion are thousands of personal stories—retirees who have waited patiently, families that have had to postpone important needs, and elderly citizens who have continued to hope that the gratuity they earned through years of service would eventually reach them.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the OSEPC Coordinator, Dr. Adebayo Famakinwa (Akoni Oodua), described the flag-off as an important and encouraging development in the effort to address the long-standing gratuity burden facing retired public servants in Ondo State.
He emphasised that gratuity is not a favour from government but a legitimate entitlement earned through years of commitment, sacrifice and service.
«“Behind this ₦3.823 billion are real people, real families and many years of dedicated service to Ondo State. For some retirees, this payment may mean settling a medical bill, paying school expenses, repairing a home, supporting a child or simply having enough to live with greater peace of mind.»
«“We therefore commend the Ondo State Government for taking this important step and urge the authorities to ensure that every eligible 2020 retiree covered by the programme receives the gratuity due to them.”»
OSEPC Appreciates Governor Aiyedatiwa
Dr. Famakinwa expressed particular appreciation to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for taking the bull by the horns and confronting the long-standing issue of retirees’ gratuity.
He said the Governor’s decision to prioritise the issue was a significant step in responding to a concern that has affected many retirees and their families for years.
According to him, the value of the intervention should not be judged only by the amount released but also by the relief it will bring to households that have lived with prolonged uncertainty.
«“We sincerely appreciate Governor Aiyedatiwa for taking the bull by the horns on an issue that has remained a source of concern to our retirees for a long time. For someone who has waited for years, the flag-off of this payment is not just a government announcement; it represents relief, hope and a feeling that the government has remembered them.»
«“We encourage the Governor and his administration to sustain this momentum until the process is completed for all eligible beneficiaries. The greatest success of this intervention will be seen in the homes of the retirees who finally receive what they have worked for.”»
A Matter of Dignity and Responsibility
The OSEPC Coordinator said retirement should be a period of rest and dignity after decades of public service, rather than a period of continued anxiety over unpaid gratuity.
He noted that many retirees rely heavily on their gratuity to meet basic needs, particularly healthcare, accommodation, family responsibilities and other financial obligations.
«“These men and women served Ondo State during their productive years. They deserve to enter retirement with the assurance that the obligations arising from their service will be honoured.»
«“For an elderly retiree, a delayed gratuity is not simply an entry on a government ledger. It can represent a medical treatment that has been postponed, a family obligation that remains unsettled or a basic need that has had to wait. That is why timely payment matters.”»
Dr. Famakinwa also noted that the payment could provide a modest boost to local economic activity, as beneficiaries are likely to spend part of their gratuity on healthcare, education, housing, food, family needs and other essential expenses.
Call for Transparent and Timely Payment
While welcoming the flag-off, OSEPC urged the relevant government agencies to ensure that the payment process remains transparent, orderly, efficient and verifiable.
The Coalition called for clear communication to beneficiaries on eligibility, documentation and payment schedules, as well as prompt attention to genuine complaints that may arise during the exercise.
Dr. Famakinwa also appealed to retirees to remain patient and cooperative with the process, noting that orderly engagement between beneficiaries and the responsible government agencies would help minimise avoidable delays.
Retirees’ Welfare Beyond Politics
The OSEPC Coordinator stressed that retirees’ welfare should not be reduced to partisan politics.
He noted that the beneficiaries served the state under different administrations and that their legitimate gratuity remains a continuing responsibility of government.
«“These are citizens who served Ondo State, irrespective of the political administration under which they worked. Their gratuity belongs to them by virtue of their service.»
«“The important thing now is to ensure that the flag-off becomes actual payment, that the process is transparent and that the government continues to make steady progress in addressing other outstanding gratuity obligations.”»
Sustaining the Momentum
OSEPC urged the Ondo State Government not to allow the flag-off to be the end of the conversation but the beginning of a sustained effort to resolve outstanding gratuity obligations.
The Coalition called for continued engagement among government, organised labour, retirees’ associations and other stakeholders to develop a more predictable and sustainable approach to gratuity payments and prevent the accumulation of future arrears.
Dr. Famakinwa reaffirmed OSEPC’s commitment to supporting policies that promote good governance, accountability, educational development, social protection and the welfare of the people of Ondo State.
He concluded with a direct appeal to the authorities:
«“The flag-off is an important beginning, but the real success will be measured by the smiles, relief and renewed hope it brings into the homes of our retirees. We therefore urge the government to sustain the process, ensure that every eligible beneficiary receives the gratuity due to them, and continue working towards a system where retirees do not have to wait for years for what they have already earned.”
Signed:
Dr. Adebayo Famakinwa (Akoni Oodua) Coordinator Ondo State Education Preservation Coalition (OSEPC)