By Bolu-Olu Esho
Copyright independent
Retirees from services of Ondo State government may now heave a sigh of relief as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa promised to review their pensions and entitlements.
The governor made the promise on Tuesday when he received members of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in his office.
He assured them of his administration’s continued commitment to their welfare, describing them as senior citizens whose sacrifices laid the foundation for the development of the state.
Aiyedatiwa appreciated the retirees, saying his administration holds them in high esteem.
He noted that the wealth of knowledge and experience of the retirees remained invaluable to governance in the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the ex-bureaucrats for setting up a Development Initiative Committee, promising to adopt a d implement any recommendation that aligns with the state’s developmental agenda.
On the pensions and entitlements of retirees, the governor acknowledged the need for harmonization and upward review of pensions and entitlements to reflect current realities.
The Governor also addressed issues raised on their secretariat building in Alagbaka, Akure, assuring that the newly constructed edifice would not be affected by the planned facelift of the capital city.
He further hinted that the long-awaited constitution of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) board would be concluded soon.
Meanwhile, a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, revealed that the President of the Association, Mrs. Grace Ajayi, who led the delegation to the Governor’s office, appreciated the Governor for appointing some of their members into political positions, particularly as Chairman and Members of the Civil Service Commission.
The association, therefore, pledged a continued partnership with the state government by offering professional insights to strengthen policy-making and governance.
The statement further reads: “They recalled past contributions on issues such as security, environmental management, and housing development, noting that a recent committee had also submitted recommendations on boosting state’s investment portfolios.
“The group commended Governor Aiyedatiwa’s developmental strides under the “OUR EASE” agenda, particularly on the huge reduction of debts owed by government and timely payment of salaries of workers, pensions and gratuities.
“1Also speaking, the Financial Secretary of the Association, Mr Lawrence Ibukun, appealed to the government for harmonization and upward review of their benefits to reflect the realities of today.”
Present at the meeting are Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip and Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun.
