The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ondo State Branch, has commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of retirees in the state.
The NUP State Chairman, Comrade Johnson Osunyemi, who gave the commendation at the weekend in Akure, expressed the union’s appreciation to the governor for the numerous payments of pension arrears.
Osunyemi, while describing pensioners as “retired but not tired,” announced the honouring of Aiyedatiwa with the Grand Patron award by NUP for putting smiles on the faces of retirees in the state.
“Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa since his assumption of office has rescued us from percentage payment to full, regular and timely pensions payment, and implemented our 30 percent pensions harmonization and consequential increase arising from 2018 salary increase.
“He lifted pensioners up from the quagmire of ridiculous monthly pensions f N1,500 per month to a minimum of N30,000 across board. The implication of this is that as at today, no pensioner earns below N35,000 monthly in Ondo State,” he said.
The NUP chairman also lauded the Permanent Secretary of Ondo Local Government Pension Transitional Department, Dr Mercy Olayinka Femi-Idris, for her efforts in prioritizing and improving the welfare of retirees.
Osunyemi noted that the Local Government Pension Transitional Department under the leadership of Femi-Idris has brought about a transformation in the department, marked by administrative excellence and deep commitment to the welfare of pensioners.
He disclosed that under Femi-Idris’s watch, digital identity cards had been successfully issued to pensioners, a feat that was previously seemed impossible.
According to him, Idris introduce weekly medical examinations and treatment for pensioners on Wednesdays, which has greatly improve on their lives.
The NUP Chairman added that the permanent secretary’s dedication to pensioners’ welfare bill is an enduring legacy of professionalism, empathy and integrity.
The union, therefore, conferred Femi-Idris with an award of Outstanding Administrative Excellence, noting noting that the recognition of Idris’s dedication and service was a testament to her positive impact on pensioners in the state.
NUP also honoured the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, with ‘the Most Distinguished Humanitarian Patron Award’ for his humanitarian services and his unwavering and consistent advocacy and generosity for the welfare of pensioners in the state.
Osunyemi added that the minister’s reforms in the ministry were impactful, taking Nigeria to the fore of pride and envy especially in national security administration, modernization of immigration and correctional services.
He pleaded with the state government to yield to the union’s long yearning for an official vehicle as well as government’s intervention in the rehabilitation of the less than one and the half kilometre road leading to its secretariat from Oda road.
Speaking at the event, Aiyedatiwa, emphasised his administration’s commitment to the welfare of retirees, noting that they deserve peace of mind and regular income after years of selfless service to the state and nation.
The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, declared that the state has made prompt payment of pensions a permanent culture, stating that their sacrifices laid the foundation for today’s development.
“From day one, we took a solemn stand to bring humanity into governance. Every pensioner deserves peace of mind and regular income after years of selfless service. That is why we’ve made prompt payment of pensions a permanent culture,” he said.
