Ogun pensioners express gratitude as Gov Abiodun approves, releases N6.7bn for gratuity

The Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners has expressed gratitude to Governor Dapo Abiodun over the approval and release of N6.7 billion to pensioners in the state.

The chairman of the union, Waheed Oloyede, in a statement signed by its secretary, Bola Lawal, noted that the approved gratuity covered both state and local government pensioners.

Oloyede stated that this has further reduced the backlog of accrued gratuities and demonstrates Abiodun’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens whose entitlements have been denied over the years.

Part of the statement reads: “We are deeply grateful for the milk of godly kindness and generosity in you towards us, the elderly. No doubt, the payment of the gratuities will bring great relief and succour to many individuals and families.

“We also wish to use this medium to express our sincere appreciation to you for prompt and timely payment of monthly pensions which has aided our plans towards the procurement of sustainable health services.

“We also express immense appreciation for the various palliatives and subsidies directed towards us, pensioners, in the recent past to cushion the effects of the present harsh economic realities. We are not taking these gestures for granted, our beloved governor, but to express a deep sense of gratitude.”

The senior citizens, however, appealed to the governor to approve the consequential increase in pensions for long-standing pensioners, in line with the 2019 Federal Government Circular on Consequential Adjustment of Pensions.