Retired primary school teachers and local government pensioners in Ogun State were filled with joy and appreciation on Tuesday as the state government disbursed a total of ₦5.77 billion as part of outstanding gratuity payments for the third quarter of the year.
The disbursement, which covers retired primary school teachers and other local government retirees across the state, is part of the sustained efforts of the Governor Dapo Abiodun administration to clear inherited gratuity backlogs and improve the welfare of senior citizens.
The presentation of gratuity cheques took place at the Bureau of Local Government Pensions (BLGP), Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, where beneficiaries and leaders of pensioners’ associations commended the state government for its consistency and commitment to pension administration.
Speaking at the event, chairmen of various pensioners’ associations — Mr. Zacchaeus Adekoya of the Association of Retired Primary School Teachers of Ogun State (ARPSTOS), Pastor Benedict Ademoye of the Local Government Pensioners Association of Nigeria (LOGPAN), and Mrs. Caroline Oguntola of the Retired Primary School Teachers Association of Nigeria (REPSTAN) — unanimously praised Governor Abiodun for prioritising the welfare of retirees.
According to them, the regular payment of pensions and steady release of gratuities under the current administration has significantly improved the quality of life of pensioners across the state.
They noted that pensioners had “never had it so good” in the history of Ogun State, stressing that the actions of the present administration clearly show that the welfare of senior citizens occupies a central place in government policy.
The association leaders described Governor Abiodun as a compassionate leader who has demonstrated genuine concern for the wellbeing, dignity and healthy living of retirees, adding that his approach to pension management remains unprecedented in the state.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Engr. Olufisan Osiyale, reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to ensuring that retirees who served the state in their productive years do not suffer hardship in old age.
Osiyale assured the beneficiaries that the Abiodun administration recognises the sacrifices of senior citizens, noting that “grey hair is the crown of the elderly” and that the governor is deeply conscious of his responsibility to protect their welfare.
He disclosed that beyond the ₦5.77 billion gratuity payment, Governor Abiodun has approved additional financial relief measures to cushion the effects of retirement on affected workers.
According to him, officers retiring between July 2, 2025 and December 31, 2025 will receive a financial relief (palliative) equivalent to 100 per cent of their monthly gross salary, pending the consolidation of their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) with their respective Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).
Osiyale added that the state government is working on more sustainable policies aimed at strengthening pension administration and enhancing the overall wellbeing of retirees in Ogun State.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Abayomi Aina and Mrs. Oluremi Yusuf expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Abiodun for the prompt payment of monthly pensions and the regular disbursement of gratuities.
They urged the governor not to relent in his efforts, expressing confidence that the administration’s commitment would ensure that other retirees still awaiting payment would benefit in record time.
The latest gratuity disbursement reinforces the Ogun State Government’s pledge to uphold social justice, reward years of public service, and restore dignity to retired workers through consistent and humane pension policies.
