By Olaolu Fawole
Pensioners from the 33 local government areas of Oyo State on Thursday, held a rally of gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for improving their welfare with the implementation of their various demands.
The rally, held at the state secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan was the same spot the senior citizens once protested against government neglect, marking a symbolic shift from years of agitation to appreciation.
Prior to the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, members of Nigeria Union of Pensioners had taken to the streets in frustration, decrying the failure of then governors to address their plights.
Their demands for timely pension payments, gratuities, and better living conditions were often met with silence or unfulfilled promises.
For many years, the senior citizens staged series of protest, condemning what they described as the government’s lip service to their suffering.
The union took legal action to compel one of the then state governors to honour their demands, but the struggle persisted.
However, under the administration of Governor Makinde, the pensioners said that they have seen a remarkable change.
The most important was the implementation of twenty five thousand naira as minimum pension, which began in January , 2025, coupled with regular payment of monthly pensions.
Many of them expressed joy that, for the first time in years, they could afford basic necessities without the fear of unpaid pensions.
Speaking at the rally, the state secretary of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade Olusegun Abatan, commended the governor for prioritizing the welfare of retirees, as the state pensioners are now the highest paid in the country.
Reading his address titled “Resurrected Pensioners in Oyo State Appreciate Engineer Seyi Makinde”, Comrade Abatan noted that while the battle for improved pension benefits had been long and exhausting, Governor Makinde’s policies had brought relief and dignity to senior citizens in the state.
“We know all bucks stop on your table and because we know that you are kind, humane, and compassionate to the Pensioners, my letter to you struck the humanity in you resulting in your approval that the least paid Pensioners in Oyo State should now earn ₦25,000 per month. You did not stop there, you directed that all pension increases since 2007 be factored into the pensions of affected Pensioners culminating in an unprecedented increase in pensions of our members. This increase is unprecedented in the annals of pension review in Oyo State and the first of its kind in the whole of the Federation. To our members, the pension increase is like a thunderbolt, many of us are still dazed about the review”.
Addressing the pensioners, Governor Makinde, reaffirmed his commitment to the well-being of retirees and assured them that his administration would not relent in ensuring that pensioners receive their dues promptly.
Speaking through his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, Governor Makinde added that sacrifices of pensioners in building the state would never be forgotten.
He equally called on other labour unions to always channel demands through appropriate quarters for prompt consideration and approval.
Pensioners at the rally pledged their continued support for the state government.
