Retirees in Ondo State under the umbrella of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) have raised alarm over the stoppage of N10,000 palliative wage award to them for the past four months.
Consequently, the pensioners have called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to immediately order the reinstatement of the palliative package to enable them cushion the effects of the current economic hardship on the senior citizens.
In a letter wrote to the Governor and signed by Hon. Johnson Osunyemi,
State Chairman of the NUP in the State and the State NUP Secretary, Comrade Sunday Akin, the union said the palliative payment has been crucial in supporting the livelihoods of the pensioners who have dedicated their lives in the past to the service of the State.
It will be recalled that the Oyo state government is paying N15,000 to its pensioners as palliative package and extended same by one year while the Ogun state government is paying N10,000 yo its retirees for the same purpose for the next one year, but the Ondo state government has stopped the payment of the package since the turn of the year 2024.
However, the NUP Chairman and the Secretary said, “RE: REQUEST FOR REINSTATEMENT OF THE PAYMENT OF #10,000 WAGE AWARD TO ONDO STATE PENSIONERS: We bring fraternal greetings to His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, the Executive Governor of our dear Sunshine State.
“Your Excellency, we are once again writing to request for the reinstatement of the payment of the #10,000 wage award to Ondo State Pensioners, which was last paid in December, 2023:
“This payment has been crucial in supporting the livelihoods of our pensioners who have dedicated their lives in the past to the service of our State.
“The #10,000 wage award serves as a vital supplement to the pensions of the retired workers, that helps them to meet their basic needs and maintain a decent standard of living. Its absence has placed undue financial strain on many Pensioners who earn as low as #2000, making it increasingly difficult for them to afford essential expenses such as healthcare, feeding etc.
“Given the invaluable contributions of Pensioners to the development of our state, we urge Mr. Governor to consider reinstating the payment and arrears covering the 4 months outstanding of the #10,000 wage award without further delay.
“Doing so will not only be tantamount to honouring government obligations to pensioners but will also alleviate the financial hardship being faced by many pensioners. Looking forward for prompt response to this request,” NUP leadership said.
