Government Cannot Toil With The Welfare Of Pensioners – Akere

The Government of the State of Osun has pledged to do its best to ensure that, the welfare of pensioners in the state is given priority.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Akere disclosed this while holding a meeting with the State Executive of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) in his office.

The Commissioner explained that, if the Government can cater for the elderly in the state through its programme called ‘Agba Osun’, the Government cannot make the pensioners suffer in any form.

He added that, the Government of the state of Osun is determined to ensure that, all citizenry enjoys the dividends of democracy during his tenure.

He explained further that, the Government is ready to always dialogue with pensioners with a view of addressing matters that concern their welfare.

Akere further stated that, the inconsistency and shortfall in the federal allocation is responsible for some financial challenges facing the Government.

He called for understanding from the pensioners, saying that the present administration in the state cannot toil with the issues that concern pensioners, especially when most of them have worked tirelessly for the growth of the state.

The Secretary of the Union, Elder Gabriel Adesoji also demanded that, pension must be in the first line charge to ensure prompt and regular payment. He charged the government to take care of the pensioners saying that, they have nothing against the government.

‘‘He also called for the understanding between the Government and the Pensioners so as to avoid any communication gap’’.

Present at the meeting are the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Engr. Olusegun Aduroja, Mr. Bunmi Oladele, Director, Social Mobilization and Strategy and his deputy, Mr. Bode Awe as well as Nigerian Union of Pensioners leaders.