Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens, as he addressed pensioners at a labour event held on Monday at the Local Government Service Commission.
Governor Adeleke emphasised that his administration has consistently prioritized pension issues since assuming office in November 2022.
“We have left no one in doubt about our passion to address the challenges facing pensioners. From day one, we declared that senior citizens deserve the attention of the state leadership as a matter of duty”, he said.
He said the event marked the distribution of bond cheques to contributory pensioners, with a total sum of N1.99 billion being paid out to both state and local government pensioners.
The governor also took the opportunity to highlight the progress made by previous administrations in pension payment, noting that his government has already paid out a total of N22.67 billion in just over two years—almost 70% of the pension payments made under the previous administration, which spanned 12 years.
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Governor Adeleke also introduced a new policy aimed at improving the well-being of pensioners.
He added that his administration has enrolled pensioners in a health insurance scheme, allowing them easier access to healthcare services.
“Our love, care, and support for pensioners is not a political gimmick. It is about doing the right thing,” he said.
The governor acknowledged that while there are still outstanding issues in the pension sector, steps are being taken to address them.
He tasked the Head of Service with compiling a list of unresolved issues, ensuring the government remains responsive to pensioners’ needs.
Despite the financial challenges faced by the state, including the declining value of the Naira and the impact of a less than 20% increase in federal allocations, Governor Adeleke expressed confidence in his administration’s achievements.
He reassured the state workers of his unwavering commitment to their welfare, citing it as a key focus of his five-point agenda.
Governor Adeleke also commended the Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina, and his team for their outstanding performance in public service reform.
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He encouraged pension union leaders to attend a town hall meeting scheduled for Wednesday, where they will receive a detailed accountability and scorecard from his administration.
“I thank you for your continued support and promise that we will keep delivering for the workers, pensioners, and the people of Osun State,” the governor added.
