Osun Poll: Pensioners endorse Adeleke for second term

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

Members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Osun State Chapter, on Tuesday endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term in office ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The pensioners cited the Adeleke administration’s commitment to the welfare of retirees as the basis for their endorsement.

Speaking during the endorsement ceremony, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in Osun State, Alhaji Ismaila Odefisayo, described the occasion as a historic and memorable moment for pensioners across the state.

He said Adeleke’s administration had transformed the lives of retirees through people-oriented policies and compassionate leadership.

According to Odefisayo, pensioners remain particularly appreciative of the free healthcare services provided through the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS), noting that the initiative has significantly improved access to quality medical care for senior citizens.

He also commended the governor for ensuring the prompt payment of pensions and other entitlements.

The NUP chairman further praised the administration for recognising the dignity of pensioners and prioritising their welfare.

He listed some of the achievements of the Adeleke administration to include the payment of half-salary arrears inherited from previous governments, the donation of a bus to pensioners, the provision of borehole facilities through the OHIS programme, the implementation of a ₦25,000 minimum pension, prompt payment of contributory pension obligations, and the approval of outstanding pension adjustments.

Odefisayo stressed that the endorsement was not an act of political patronage but a genuine recognition of good governance and responsive leadership.

While commending the governor’s achievements, he also appealed to the government to address outstanding issues, including the payment of pending minimum pension adjustments and gratuities.

He expressed confidence that Governor Adeleke would continue to address the remaining concerns in line with his administration’s commitment to pensioners’ welfare.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State Chapter, Comrade Christopher Abimbola Arapasopo, condemned what he described as derogatory remarks allegedly made by a chieftain of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), who reportedly claimed that tailors were better than civil servants.

Arapasopo said the statement was not only disrespectful to public servants but also failed to recognise that artisans, including tailors, are part of the labour movement.

He maintained that workers in all sectors deserve respect and appreciation for their contributions to society and economic development.

Responding to the endorsement, Governor Adeleke expressed gratitude to the pensioners and workers for their support, describing the gesture as both humbling and encouraging.

The governor noted that pensioners had devoted a significant part of their lives to the development of the state and therefore deserved dignity, care, and justice in retirement.

He recalled that addressing the welfare of pensioners became one of his administration’s priorities upon assumption of office.

According to him, this commitment informed the payment of half-salary arrears, the introduction of the ₦25,000 monthly wage award for pensioners, and the inclusion of retirees in the Osun Health Insurance Scheme.

Governor Adeleke stressed that these interventions were not acts of charity but measures aimed at restoring confidence, promoting social justice, and improving the quality of life of senior citizens in the state.