Pensioners from the 33 local government areas of Oyo State gathered on Thursday for a rally to express their gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for significantly improving their welfare through the fulfillment of their long-standing demands.
The rally, which took place at the state secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, was held at the very same location where the senior citizens once protested against government neglect, signifying a powerful transformation from frustration to appreciation.
Before Governor Makinde’s administration, members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners frequently took to the streets in protest, lamenting the neglect by past governors who failed to address their hardships.
Their appeals for timely pension payments, gratuities, and better living conditions were often ignored or met with empty promises, leaving them in financial distress.
For several years, pensioners staged numerous protests, denouncing what they described as the government’s insensitivity to their plights.
In an attempt to seek justice, the union even took legal action to compel one of the previous administrations to fulfill its obligations, yet the struggle remained unresolved.
However, under Governor Makinde’s leadership, pensioners acknowledged a remarkable shift in their welfare and financial security.
The most impactful change was the approval and implementation of ₦25,000 as the minimum pension, which commenced in January 2025, alongside the consistent and timely payment of their monthly pensions.
Many retirees expressed joy, stating that, for the first time in years, they could afford basic necessities without the fear of financial hardship caused by unpaid pensions.
Speaking at the rally, the state secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade Olusegun Abatan, lauded Governor Makinde for making retirees’ welfare a priority, noting that Oyo State pensioners now receive the highest pension in the country.
Addressing the pensioners, Governor Makinde reaffirmed his dedication to retirees’ well-being, assuring them that his administration would continue to ensure the prompt and consistent payment of pensions.
Speaking through his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, Governor Makinde also acknowledged the sacrifices made by pensioners in shaping the state, emphasizing that their contributions would never be forgotten.
He further urged other labor unions to always present their demands through the appropriate channels for timely review and consideration.
In response, pensioners at the rally pledged their unwavering support for the state government, appreciating the administration’s efforts in transforming their lives.
