The Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the welfare of pensioners by pledging the sum of ₦1.5 million toward the completion of the ongoing Pensioners’ House project at the council secretariat.
The pledge was made during the annual anniversary celebration of the Ibadan North Local Government chapter of pensioners, held at the partially completed Pensioners’ House.
The event drew a large gathering of retirees, government officials, and stakeholders.
In his address, Olufade commended the pensioners for their consistent and unalloyed support for the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde.
He recalled how the pensioners had previously described Makinde as one of the most pensioner-friendly governors in Nigeria, while also appreciating him as a chairman who prioritizes their welfare at the grassroots.
The chairman praised the governor’s humane leadership style, noting that Makinde remains committed to rewarding hard work and putting smiles on the faces of the people.
He emphasized that his administration at the local government level has continued to replicate the governor’s people-oriented policies.
Olufade further reminded the gathering that he had fulfilled his earlier pledge of N1 million made during the previous anniversary, reaffirming his credibility and dedication to pensioners’ welfare.
He stressed that retirees deserve to enjoy the fruits of their labour, assuring them that their well-being would always remain a top priority under his leadership.
As part of his goodwill gesture, the chairman also presented a cash gift of N25,000 each to two pensioners who spoke glowingly about the governor’s performance.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Pension Board, Akeem Ademola Ige, lauded Olufade for the generous pledge and described him as a leader committed to impactful governance.
He noted that the council boss has recorded significant developmental strides in Ibadan North, particularly in infrastructure and pensioners’ welfare.
Ige disclosed that despite his tight schedule, Olufade honoured the invitation to attend the event, underscoring his respect and priority for pensioners.
He also commended the ongoing construction of a modern legislative building within the council, describing its facilities as comparable to those at the Oyo State House of Assembly.
Reassuring the pensioners, Ige stated that Governor Makinde remains committed to their welfare and is working tirelessly to ensure that no pensioner is owed gratuity before the end of his tenure.
He urged retirees to remain patient and avoid lobbying, assuring them that due process would be followed in the disbursement of benefits.
Speaking on behalf of the pensioners, the Ibadan North chapter chairman, Comrade Olusupo Ricket, expressed profound gratitude to the governor for his unprecedented support to retirees.
He highlighted key interventions, including prompt payment of pensions, upward review of allowances in 2024, payment of 13th-month benefits, distribution of food and cash palliatives, and the inclusion of pensioners in free basic healthcare services.
Ricket also recalled that at the inception of his administration in 2019, Governor Makinde dedicated his salary to pensioners and has since made significant progress in clearing backlog gratuities.
The pensioners reaffirmed their unwavering support for both Governor Makinde and Chairman Olufade, pledging continued loyalty at all times.
Dignitaries at the event included Akeem Ademola Ige, Chairman Oyo state local government pension board, Hon. Femi Julius, chairman oyo state assembly service commission, Hon. Akeem Ayoade, the Vice Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Taiwo Adebola, the Leader of the House, as well as the Head of Local Government Administration, Deacon Olabode Abayomi Ajebisi, management staff, and other stakeholders.
