Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State has been lauded for demonstrating uncommon compassion, responsibility and sincerity of purpose towards retirees in the state since assuming office in 2019.
The leadership of the South-West Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) gave this commendation recently, noting that Governor Makinde has restored the dignity of retirees and instilled hope and confidence in governance.
It noted that the governor, through his policies and actions on pensioners’ welfare, has rewritten the narrative in Oyo State and set a benchmark worthy of emulation across Nigeria.
The council, in a letter entitled “Letter of appreciation and profound gratitude for outstanding commitment to the welfare of pensioners in Oyo State,” dated 7th April, 2026, and signed by its chairman, Comrade Waidi Oloyede and secretary, Comrade Sunday Akin, hailed the governor for several policy decisions aimed at improving the lives of pensioners in Oyo State.
It noted that the Makinde administration deserved commendation for “reversing the painful regime of percentage pension payments, as experienced under the previous administration of Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi, the former Governor of Oyo State, and for restoring full payment of monthly pensions.”
It added that the consistent payment of pensions on or before 25th of every month has brought financial stability and renewed confidence to retirees, while the governor’s payment of outstanding gratuities dating back to 2008, beginning with N500 million monthly releases in 2019 and progressively increasing over the years to an impressive N6 billion as of February 2026, showed that Makinde has a strong commitment to clearing inherited liabilities in line with his promise.
The council equally singled out the institutionalisation of minimum pension, alongside the implementation of various pension increments including the 33 per cent increase of 2010, the 2019 consequential adjustment, the 20 per cent increment in February 2024 and the additional N17,500 increase as other steps taken by the governor to improve the living condition of pensioners in the state.
The letter read in part: “The Leadership of the South-West Zonal Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, on behalf of Oyo State Pensioners, writes with immense pride, deep appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to commend Your Excellency for your exceptional and people-oriented leadership, particularly in advancing the welfare of pensioners in Oyo State.
“Since your assumption of office in 2019, your administration has demonstrated uncommon compassion, responsibility and sincerity of purpose towards retirees, thereby restoring dignity, hope and confidence in governance.
“Your historic and selfless decision to forfeit your personal remuneration to the payment of pensioners’ gratuities from the very first day of your inauguration stands as a rare and exemplary act of sacrifice in public service.
“This singular gesture has significantly eased the burden of suffering pensioners in Oyo State.
“We also commend your administration for reversing the painful regime of percentage pension payments, as experienced under the previous administration of Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi, the former Governor of Oyo State, and restoring full payment of monthly pensions. The consistent payment of pensions on or before 25th of every month has brought financial stability and renewed confidence among retirees.
“Your deliberate intervention in the payment of long outstanding gratuities dating back to 2008, beginning with N500million monthly releases in 2019 and progressively increasing over the years to an impressive N6 billion as of February 2026, reflects visionary leadership and a strong commitment to clearing inherited liabilities.
“Furthermore, your institutionalisation of minimum pension, alongside the implementation of various pension increments including the 33 per cent increase of 2010, the 2019 consequential adjustment, the 20 per cent increment in February 2024 and the additional N17,500 increase, have significantly improved the living conditions of pensioners across the State.
“We also deeply appreciate your inclusion of pensioners in a free health insurance scheme, as well as the organisation of periodic medical outreach programmes, which have enhanced access to quality healthcare for our elderly members.
“Your thoughtful introduction of a N50,000 Christmas bonus for every pensioner since 2023 and the distribution of food items such as bag of rice during festive periods, further underscores your administration’s humane and compassionate approach to governance.
“Equally commendable is your bold and corrective action in restoring over 3000 pensioners back to payroll who were previously removed. This act of justice has brought relief and restored dignity to many affected individuals and their families.
“Your Excellency, your administration has undeniably rewritten the narrative of pensioners’ welfare in Oyo State and has set a benchmark worthy of emulation across Nigeria.
“Your legacy in this regard will remain indelible in the hearts of retirees.
“We, therefore, on behalf of Pensioners in Oyo State, South-West and beyond, express our profound gratitude and assure you of our continued support, prayers and cooperation as you continue to serve the good people of Oyo State with dedication and integrity.
“Please accept the assurance of our highest esteem.”
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
