In a move that has sent waves of relief and gratitude across Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun has once again demonstrated his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of retirees by approving and releasing a staggering N6.7 billion for the payment of outstanding gratuities to pensioners. This landmark gesture, which covers both state and local government retirees, has been widely celebrated as a turning point in the long struggle of Ogun’s senior citizens for their entitlements.
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ogun State Council, did not mince words in expressing profound appreciation to Governor Abiodun. In a statement jointly signed by its chairman, Waheed Oloyede, and secretary, Bola Lawal, the union described the payment as a “demonstration of godly kindness and generosity” that will bring much-needed succour to families who have endured years of hardship due to unpaid gratuities. The N6.7 billion, split between N3.2 billion for state pensioners and N3.5 billion for local government retirees, marks a significant reduction in the backlog that has plagued successive administrations.
Governor Abiodun, represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, reaffirmed that the welfare of retirees remains a top priority for his government. He emphasized that the administration recognizes the invaluable contributions of retirees to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria at large, stating, “Progress is not complete without the voice and wisdom of those who have walked the path and contributed immensely to shaping the standards we uphold”.
This latest disbursement is not an isolated act of goodwill. Earlier in the year, Governor Abiodun approved an unprecedented N20,000 end-of-year bonus for all pensioners in Ogun State, a move that pensioners hailed as the first of its kind in the state’s history. The NUP, in its letter, described the governor’s love for senior citizens as “unquantifiable and of sincere goodwill,” and urged him to continue with consequential adjustments of pensions in line with federal directives.
Beyond financial gestures, the Abiodun administration has also introduced training initiatives to prepare prospective retirees—especially those in the upper echelons of the civil service—for life after active service. This, according to the governor, is part of a broader support system aimed at ensuring that retirees remain valuable and productive members of society even after their formal exit from public service.
The pensioners, while basking in the relief brought by the latest payments, also acknowledged the prompt and regular payment of monthly pensions and the palliatives provided to cushion the harsh economic realities. However, they appealed to the governor to approve further consequential increases for long-standing pensioners, especially in line with the 2019 Federal Government Circular on pension adjustments.
Governor Abiodun’s actions have not only earned him accolades from Ogun’s senior citizens but have also set a benchmark for responsive governance in Nigeria. As the state continues to grapple with economic challenges, the administration’s focus on the welfare of its retirees stands as a testament to its resolve to honour those who have served and to build a future where the dignity of labour is truly rewarded.
