By Ade Oyeyemi
The Ondo State Government has commenced its 2027 promotion exercise for about 2,500 public servants ahead of schedule, in a move aimed at eliminating promotion arrears and ensuring workers receive their entitlements promptly.
The State Head of Service, Chief Segun Odusanya, disclosed this on Wednesday during the official flag-off of the exercise at the State Secretariat, Alagbaka, Akure.
Odusanya explained that the decision to begin the exercise early was designed to address delays associated with promotions and prevent the accumulation of outstanding financial benefits.
He said successful candidates would receive their promotion letters from the first working day of January 2027, alongside the financial benefits attached to their new positions.
According to him, the digitalisation of the state’s payroll system and personnel records has enabled the government to identify workers due for promotion and determine the financial implications ahead of time.
Odusanya said, “What prompted this early commencement is the issue of payment of promotion arrears. You will recall that we recently digitalised our payroll system and personnel records, making it easier for us to know who is due for promotion every year and the attendant financial cost.
“One of the things we are trying to do is to do away with the issue of backlog of arrears. With this, we want to ensure that the issue of promotion arrears does not even arise in the first place.”
The Head of Service commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for approving the initiative, describing him as a leader committed to improving the welfare and working conditions of public servants.
He cited the recent increase in workers’ car and housing loans, as well as the Duty Tour Allowance, as further evidence of the administration’s commitment to staff welfare.
Odusanya expressed optimism that the arrangement would boost workers’ morale, eliminate unnecessary financial disputes over promotion arrears and improve efficiency in the state civil service.
“By January, beneficiaries would be getting their promotion letters, and the financial benefits will follow promptly. It is a win-win situation. Our workers will be motivated, there will be no problem of arrears, and government business will continue to run smoothly,” he added.
He urged public servants to reciprocate the government’s gesture by supporting its policies and programmes under the OUR EASE development agenda.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishment and Training, Mrs Yemi Pirisola, praised Aiyedatiwa and the Head of Service for introducing the early promotion arrangement.
Pirisola described the initiative as unusual in the recent history of the state, noting that promotion exercises were rarely commenced before the end of the preceding year.
She disclosed that approximately 2,500 eligible officers across ministries, departments and agencies had been identified for consideration in the 2027 exercise.
Also speaking, the state Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Segun Ajiboye, commended Odusanya for his sustained efforts towards improving workers’ welfare.
Ajiboye said public servants had experienced considerable relief under the Head of Service’s leadership, expressing hope that other outstanding demands of organised labour would receive favourable attention.
