Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Chapter, Inaugurates Pensioners’ Radio, Wants Governor to End Disparity in Pension Payment

Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State chapter, has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to address disparity in the payment of pension in the state. The state NUP Secretary, Mr Olusegun Abatan, made the call on Tuesday during the inauguration of Pensioners’ Radio 106.7 FM in Ibadan.

Abatan said there were still pensioners earning N2,000 monthly as pension, noting that those who retired 20 years ago were earning far less than their counterparts who just retired on the same grade level.

Abatan said that the idea of pensioners having a radio station came about five years ago when pensioners were struggling to be paid their entitlements. He said that at that time, the press statement and rallies of pensioners were of no effect and were often twisted to cause disharmony.

It was then they decided to have pensioners’ radio purposely to air their view and present their case in a civilised manner without offending government and NBC. He said, they pledge to work and cooperate with Makinde’s administration and not use the radio to rundown the government, while saying the truth at all time.

He commended the governor for paying pensioners in full and, as and when due since his assumption of office. Oyo State NUP acting chairman, Alhaji Isiaka Abolade, expressed appreciation to Makinde for bringing succour to the pensioners and other workers in the state.

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mojid Olawale, commended the pensioners for their achievements in setting up a radio station which would make their voice to be heard properly, he also promised to set up a committee that would include members of the pensioners’ union and government to address their demands.