As the governorship election draws nearer in Osun State, members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in the State have endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term in office.
The senior citizens in Osun cited Adeleke’s administration’s remarkable commitment to pensioners’ welfare as the basis for their support ahead of the August 15 gubernatorial election.
Speaking during the endorsement ceremony, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Osun State Chapter, Alhaji (Chief) S. Ola Odefisayo, described the occasion as a historic and memorable moment for pensioners across the state, noting that Governor Adeleke’s administration has transformed the lives of retirees through people-centred policies and compassionate governance.
According to the NUP Chairman, pensioners remain enthusiastic about the free medical services provided through the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS), noting that the initiative has significantly improved access to healthcare for senior citizens.
He also commended the governor for ensuring prompt payment of pensions and allowances as and when due.
Alhaji Odefisayo further praised Governor Adeleke for recognising the dignity of pensioners and treating them with respect, adding that the administration’s achievements include the payment of half-salary arrears inherited from previous administrations, donation of a bus to pensioners, provision of borehole facilities through OHIS, implementation of a ₦25,000 minimum pension, prompt payment of contributory pension obligations, and approval of outstanding pension adjustments.
He emphasised that the endorsement was not an act of praise-singing but a sincere acknowledgement of good governance and responsible leadership.
The pensioners’ leader, while appreciating the administration’s accomplishments, also used the opportunity to remind the government of pending obligations, including the payment of outstanding minimum pension adjustments and gratuities.
He expressed confidence that Governor Adeleke would continue to address the remaining issues in line with his demonstrated commitment to pensioners’ welfare.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State Chapter, Comrade Christopher Abimbola Arapasopo, strongly defended the dignity of workers while responding to what he described as derogatory remarks allegedly made by a chieftain of the opposition APC, who claimed that tailors were better than civil servants.
Comrade Arapasopo noted that the statement was not only insulting to public servants but also failed to recognise that artisans, including tailors, are themselves members of the labour family. He stressed that workers across all sectors deserve respect and appreciation for their contributions to society and the economy.
Responding to the endorsements, Governor Adeleke expressed profound gratitude to the pensioners and workers, noting that the support was both humbling and inspiring.
He noted that pensioners devoted the greater part of their lives to building the state and therefore deserve dignity, care, and justice in retirement.
The governor recalled that upon assuming office, addressing pensioners’ welfare became one of the administration’s top priorities. This commitment, he explained, informed the settlement of half-salary arrears, payment of the ₦25,000 monthly wage award for pensioners, and the inclusion of retirees in the Osun Health Insurance Scheme.
He emphasised that these interventions were not acts of generosity but acts of justice aimed at restoring confidence and improving the quality of life of senior citizens.
