The Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) on Wednesday inaugurated an ultra modern events centre and chalets at a grand opening held at the Unions House, Akure.
The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu while commissioning the project congratulated Ondo State pensioners for achieving such a laudable feat just as he assured them of his government’s commitment to their welfare.
The Governor who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, said his administration would continue to give priority to the welfare of the senior citizens.
In his remarks, NUP National President, Dr. Abel Afolayan while thanking Mr. Governor for his sterling performance and commitment to the senior citizens in the state said he was very happy at the magnificent project embarked upon by members of his union in the state.
He however called on the Governor to continue with his good work and also continue to support pensioners in the state.
In his address, the Chairman, Building Committee, Comrade Jacob Oredola said the feat was accomplished by the ideas and ideals of a focused manager of human and material resources, the late State Chairman, Chief Raphael Adetuwo who translated a near impossibility into reality before his demise.
Oredola while applauding Mr. Governor for the approval of 33% pension increase and subsequent payment of 2% deductions to Ondo State Pensioners which helped accomplish the goals of building the magnificent edifice, said the union will appreciate government’s patronage of the events centre while also requesting for the asphalting of the road leading to NUP House.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards of excellence to Governor Akeredolu, the Head of Service, Mr. Dare Aragbaiye, NLC State Chairman, Comrade Sunday Adeleye-Oluwole and also a posthumus award to the late State Chairman, Chief Raphael Adetuwo whose name was also immortalized as the event centre was named after him.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Acting State Chairman of the union, Comrade Johnson Salami thanked members of the union for their financial contributions towards making it a success saying without their support, nothing would have been possible.
While also thanking Mr. Governor for his commitment towards pensioners in the state, Comrade Salami however urged the state government to look into non payment of gratuities since 2003, payment of 50% monthly pension for November 2020 among other issues.
