The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State Council, has reiterated their support for Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration for his commitment to their welfare, which has made retirement attractive to the state workers.
The NUP’s Secretary, Comrade Olusegun Abatan stated this during an appreciation rally held for Governor Makinde over his goodwill towards the pensioners in the state.
Abatan commended Governor Makinde for his kindness and humanity towards the state pensioners.
He noted that before Makinde’s administration, pensioners in the state were treated with disdain, with their gratuities and pensions withheld or paid in instalments.
Abatan further praised the Governor for being sensitive to the plight of the pensioners in the state, saying that since the inception of his administration, he had been committed to the increment of minimum wage of the pensioners and directed that all pension increases since 2007 be factored into the pensions of affected pensioners.
Abatan also noted that the governor’s promise to clear all arrears of pensions on or before May 28, 2027, noting that this has given pensioners hope for a better future.
He praised Makinde’s achievements in Oyo State which include massive construction of roads, reinstatement of workers and pensioners who were wrongly removed from the payroll, and the recent appointment of workers and teachers.
He also acknowledged Governor Makinde’s kindness in enrolling them on the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency platform, which they said has improved their access to health-care.
Abatan further stated that the Nigeria Union of Pensioners has electoral value and will continue to support leaders who prioritize their welfare.
In his remarks, Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Adebayo Lawal, described the solidarity rally by the pensioners as unprecedented in the history of the state which has never happened in the state.
He noted that the pensioners have paid their dues while in service and they must be rewarded by promptness to their pension, assured that the present administration would continue to pay pensioners entitlement and dues as at when due.
Makinde said the government and pensioners are in collaboration, noting that the government would continue to seek for pensioners’ advice to ensure that their welfare is taken care of at all time.
He assured pensioners that the administration is ready to grant pensioners’ requests.