Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has approved the implementation of the Federal Government’s revised salary scale for medical personnel and other healthcare workers in the state as part of efforts to improve healthcare services and strengthen the sector.
The development was announced on Wednesday by the Ondo State Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, during the annual reunion and send-off ceremony organised for retired permanent secretaries and tutors-general in Akure.
Philip explained that the new salary structure is expected to improve workers’ motivation and increase efficiency within the health sector. He added that the state government was also preparing to employ more health personnel to bridge existing manpower shortages.
He commended the governor for sustaining policies targeted at workers’ welfare, prompt settlement of retirees’ benefits, and expansion of the state workforce.
According to him, no fewer than 5,000 workers have recently been recruited into the public service to improve service delivery across various sectors, while retired permanent secretaries now receive their terminal benefits without unnecessary delays.
Philip further revealed that the government approved housing support for about 150 retired graduate headmasters affected by a policy setback dating back to 2009, noting that several beneficiaries had passed away before receiving assistance.
He urged retired permanent secretaries to continue supporting the public service through mentorship, counselling, and sharing of administrative experience.
Speaking at the event, Governor Aiyedatiwa said his administration would continue to rely on the knowledge and experience of retired senior civil servants to enhance governance in the state.
The governor described the retirees as important assets whose wealth of administrative experience remains valuable for effective leadership and policy implementation. He disclosed that some retired officials were already serving the government in advisory and political capacities.
Aiyedatiwa stated that the achievements recorded in the state’s civil service were made possible through the dedication and commitment of workers, stressing that retirement should not mark the end of service but rather a transition into mentoring younger officers.
He reiterated his administration’s resolve to improve workers’ welfare, increase productivity, and strengthen government institutions.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Forum of Ondo State Permanent Secretaries, Segun Odusanya, applauded the reforms introduced in the civil service, including the appointment of 34 permanent secretaries and the provision of official vehicles for 22 officers.
Odusanya noted that gratuity payments had been cleared up to 2019 for state retirees and up to 2014 for local government pensioners, describing the move as a major relief for retired workers.
He added that the forum remained focused on improving discipline and administrative efficiency through regular training and orientation programmes.
In separate remarks, the Orungberuwa of Ode-Erinje Kingdom, Oba Oladele Akinmoye, and the President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Mojisola Grace Ajayi, praised the government for supporting retired civil servants.
They said the interventions had eased post-retirement hardship and improved the welfare of former public officers.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, Mr Bunmi Alade thanked the government for the opportunity to serve the state, describing retirement as a fulfilling phase of life guided by God’s grace.