Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved the implementation of the federal government’s reviewed salary structure for medical officers and other health workers in the state, in a move aimed at strengthening the healthcare system and improving service delivery.
The State Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, disclosed this on Wednesday during the annual get-together and send-off ceremony for retired permanent secretaries and tutors-general held in Akure.
Philip said the decision would boost the morale of health workers and enhance productivity in the sector, adding that the administration also plans to recruit additional personnel to address manpower gaps.
He lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for prioritising workers’ welfare, prompt payment of retirees’ entitlements, and ongoing expansion of the state’s civil service.
According to him, about 5,000 new appointments have been made to strengthen public service delivery across the state, while terminal benefits for retired permanent secretaries are now being paid promptly to ease access to entitlements.
He also disclosed that accommodation support had been approved for about 150 retired graduate headmasters affected by a policy delay dating back to 2009, many of whom, he said, had died before receiving intervention.
Philip urged retired permanent secretaries to uphold their dignity and continue contributing to the development of the public service through mentorship and advisory roles.
In his remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa said that his administration would continue to draw from the experience and institutional memory of retired permanent secretaries and senior civil servants to strengthen governance and service delivery.
He described retirees as valuable assets whose administrative expertise remains critical to sustaining effective governance, noting that some had already been engaged in advisory and political roles within the administration.
The governor stressed that progress in the state’s public service had been made possible by the dedication of civil servants, adding that retirement should be seen as a transition into continued service through mentorship and guidance of younger officers.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving welfare, boosting productivity, and strengthening institutions across the state.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Forum of Ondo State Permanent Secretaries, Segun Odusanya, praised the government’s reforms in the civil service, including the appointment of 34 permanent secretaries and provision of official vehicles for 22 officers.
He noted that gratuity payments had been extended up to 2019 for state retirees and 2014 for local government pensioners, describing the gesture as a significant welfare intervention.
Odusanya said the forum remained committed to promoting administrative discipline and efficiency through training and orientation programmes.
In separate goodwill messages, traditional ruler, the Orungberuwa of Ode-Erinje Kingdom, Oladele Akinmoye, and President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Mojisola Grace Ajayi, commended the state government for its support for retirees.
They said the interventions had improved post-service welfare and reduced the hardship often associated with retirement.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Mr. Bunmi Alade expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, saying retirement marked a joyful transition supported by divine grace.
