Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has ordered the immediate payment of the 2026 leave bonus to state and local government workers, alongside the commencement of preparations for the 2027 promotion exercise.
The State Head of Service, Chief Segun Odusanya, disclosed this at a news conference in Akure to herald the 2026 Public Service Week Celebration.
Odusanya said payment of the leave bonus to local government workers had commenced, while the Governor had directed the State Accountant-General to ensure the prompt payment of the entitlements to state government workers.
He explained that the directive followed a meeting between the Governor and labour leaders on issues concerning workers’ welfare.
The Head of Service also disclosed that all officers due for promotion in the 2026 cycle had received their promotion letters, adding that preparations for the 2027 exercise had been ordered to begin immediately.
He said the promotion exercises covered the mainstream civil service, primary and secondary teaching services, as well as relevant government parastatals.
Odusanya reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, career progression and improved working conditions, noting that the government had approved an additional ₦500 million seed fund for public servants’ housing and motor vehicle loan schemes.
According to him, the government had also approved upward reviews of loan ceilings and Duty Tour Allowances payable to officers undertaking approved official assignments within and outside Ondo State, including international engagements.
On pensions and gratuities, the Head of Service said the government was making efforts to gradually settle inherited gratuity arrears owed to state and local government pensioners.
He identified the harmonisation of pensions for retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries as another significant intervention aimed at addressing pension-related concerns and recognising the contributions of senior public servants.
Odusanya said the measures reflected the administration’s commitment to promoting workers’ financial stability, rewarding service and improving the overall performance of the public service.
2026 PUBLIC SERVICE WEEK CELEBRATION
The Head of Service also announced a six-day programme for the 2026 Public Service Week Celebration, following a pre-event interactive session held on Thursday, October 8, at the Adegbemile Cultural Centre, Akure.
The session provided an opportunity for public servants to engage with the leadership of the service on issues affecting workforce administration and performance.
The official activities began on Monday, October 12, with a press briefing to unveil the objectives and expectations of the celebration.
Tuesday, October 13, will feature a health walk from the Adegbemile Cultural Centre to the Akure Township Stadium, followed by a novelty football match between the mainstream civil service and the teaching service.
On Wednesday, October 14, public servants drawn from the teaching services, local government service, judiciary, legislative arm and mainstream civil service across the three senatorial districts will converge at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Akure, for a gathering aimed at promoting unity, solidarity and effective service delivery.
The Public Service Lecture and Panel Discussion will hold on Thursday, October 15, with the theme, “Harnessing Public Service for Good Governance.”
The session will examine the role of public institutions and officers in strengthening administration and ensuring citizen-centred service delivery. Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries are expected to share their experiences and offer practical lessons to serving officers.
The celebration will continue on Friday, October 16, with a Muslim thanksgiving service at the Government House Mosque, Akure.
It will conclude on Sunday, October 18, with a Christian thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Akure.
The celebration is expected to reinforce professionalism, accountability, workers’ welfare and a shared commitment to effective governance and the development of Ondo State.
