Aiyedatiwa orders immediate payment of leave bonuses to Ondo workers
By Julius Alabi, Akure
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has ordered the immediate payment of 2026 leave bonuses to workers in the state and local government services, as part of measures to address workers’ welfare and financial stability.
The State Head of Service, Chief Segun Odusanya, disclosed this in Akure at a news conference heralding the 2026 Public Service Celebration.
Odusanya said payment of the leave bonuses to local government workers had commenced, while the governor had directed the state Accountant-General to effect payment to workers in the state service without delay.
He added that Aiyedatiwa had also directed the immediate commencement of preparations for the 2027 promotion exercise to ensure that eligible public servants progress in their careers without unnecessary delays.
According to the Head of Service, the administration has continued to meet its obligations on salaries and applicable allowances, including leave bonuses, describing the payments as an important component of workers’ welfare.
“I was with Mr Governor and labour leaders on issues concerning workers’ welfare, and Mr Governor ordered the immediate payment of the leave bonus,” Odusanya said.
He disclosed that all officers due for promotion in the 2026 cycle had received their promotion letters, adding that preparations for the next exercise were already underway.
The promotion exercises cover the mainstream civil service, primary and secondary teaching services, as well as relevant government parastatals.
Odusanya said the government had also introduced measures aimed at improving workers’ welfare, career progression, manpower development and the working environment.
He disclosed that the administration had approved an additional seed fund of N500 million for the housing and motor vehicle loan schemes available to public servants.
The government, he said, had also approved upward reviews of loan ceilings and Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) payable to officers undertaking approved official assignments within and outside the state, including international engagements.
According to him, the measures are intended to improve the financial well-being of public servants and address prevailing economic realities.
On pensions and gratuities, Odusanya said the government had continued efforts towards the gradual settlement of inherited gratuity arrears owed to retired workers at both state and local government levels.
He described the harmonisation of pensions for retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries as another significant development in addressing pension-related concerns.
The initiative, he said, recognises the contributions of senior public officers who devoted their productive years to the service of the state.
Odusanya added that the administration remained committed to addressing pension and gratuity obligations, noting that the welfare of retired public servants was an important aspect of public service administration.
He added that the various interventions reflected the government’s approach to workers’ welfare, career advancement and the need to maintain an efficient and motivated public service.
