By Balqees Onadiran
For decades, pensioners who had toiled for 35 active years in Oyo State were subjected to untold hardship. Many of these individuals, having dedicated their lives to public service, found themselves abandoned in their twilight years. It was indeed saddening!
No one can dispute the fact that under previous administrations, pensions were not only meager but also irregular. This left senior citizens, including retired teachers, civil servants, and local government workers, struggling to survive. Many of us who witnessed these events remain alive to recount these distressing times, regardless of our political affiliations.
There was a time when pensioners collapsed while waiting in long queues for their stipends, their dignity trampled upon. However, since the emergence of Governor Seyi Makinde, the story has taken a different turn, as pensioners’ welfare has been highly prioritized.
The truth must be told: caring for pensioners is more than a moral duty; it is a reflection of a society’s values and commitment to justice. These individuals have spent decades laying the foundations upon which the state thrives. It is therefore obligatory to honor their contributions by ensuring their well-being in retirement.
When pensioners are neglected, it sends a discouraging message to those still in active service—that hard work and dedication are not rewarding. As former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt aptly put it, “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” Prioritizing pensioners’ welfare upholds social equity and strengthens public trust in governance, fostering a system where workers can retire with dignity rather than despair.
This, however, was not the case in Oyo State until Governor Makinde came to the rescue. In less than six years, his administration has brought relief and restored hope to pensioners. Unlike in the past, when they were treated as afterthoughts, Governor Makinde has made their welfare a priority. Since assuming office in 2019, he has ensured that pensions are paid on or before the 25th of every month, a consistency that was unheard of in previous administrations.
Additionally, for over a year, he provided a N15,000 wage award to pensioners following the removal of subsidy on petroleum, helping them cope with economic challenges. Kò şẹlẹ̀rí o!
For those who keep abreast of pension matters in Oyo State, it is evident that there has been a revolutionary reform. The most recent proof of this is Governor Makinde’s announcement of an upward review of pensions in the state. The least-paid pensioners, who previously earned a humiliating N1,500 to N3,000 monthly, will now receive a dignified sum of N25,000. This move acknowledges their sacrifices and shields them from the harsh realities of inflation caused by the Federal Government.
The pension review also accommodated the long-overdue 33% pension increase that was supposed to have been implemented in 2010. Furthermore, the 2019 consequential pension adjustment of 20% across the board and a part of the N32,000 pension increase were factored in. These measures mark a significant shift from past neglect, ensuring that retirees can finally enjoy the fruits of their hard-earned labor.
The impact of these reforms cannot be overstated. Pensioners who once endured humiliation and neglect now have financial security. No longer do they have to cry before receiving their pensions. Many who struggled in the past can now afford necessities, live with dignity, and no longer despair due to hunger.
The days when pensioners collapsed in queues while waiting endlessly for their dues are now a thing of the past. Governor Makinde’s approach is a stark contrast to that of his predecessor, who infamously dismissed pensioners’ grievances by saying, “The living have not been paid; the dead are asking for pensions.” Such insensitivity underscored the neglect pensioners suffered in the past. Today, under Makinde’s administration, pensioners are treated with the utmost respect they deserve. Those who once feared retirement due to its uncertainties can now rest assured that the government values their years of service.
Governor Makinde has not only changed the plight of pensioners but has also set a precedent for future administrations in Oyo State. With these reforms, Omituntun has shown that renewal and transformation have truly come alive in Oyo State, ensuring that no one—regardless of age or social status—is left behind.
If this approach is described as a legacy of compassion and commitment, it is not an exaggeration. Beyond pensioners, Governor Makinde’s governance style has set a new standard for social welfare in Oyo State. His administration’s focus on prompt salary payments, infrastructure development, and economic growth has positioned the state as a model of good governance in Nigeria and beyond.
●Onadiran sent this piece from Ibadan.
