ONDO PENSION COMMISSION SEEKS STRONGER ASSEMBLY BACKING TO SECURE RETIREES FUTURE
The Director General of the Ondo State Pension Commission, Mr. Babatunde Adefusi-Owate, has called for stronger legislative support to address key challenges in pension administration and further safeguard the welfare of retirees in the state.
Speaking during an oversight visit by the House Committee on Human Capital Development, Labour, Productivity, and Pension in Akure, Adefusi-Owate highlighted remarkable progress recorded by the Commission, noting that Ondo State was recently ranked among the top-performing states by the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).
He attributed this milestone to the unwavering support of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa-led administration, “This feat would not have been possible without the commitment and support of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, whose leadership has provided the enabling environment for reforms in pension administration. His continued prioritization of workers and retirees welfare has been a major driver of our success.” He stated.
The Director General further explained that the Contributory Pension Scheme had been successfully implemented in the state as a major step toward ensuring the financial security of retirees. However, he stressed the need for automation of pension management software, enforcement of compliance among tertiary institutions, and also the need for greater operational autonomy and legislative review.
Adefusi-Owate sought robust synergy with the Assembly, stressing that sustaining reforms and strengthening institutional capacity were vital to guaranteeing that retirees enjoy the dignity and peace of mind they deserve after years of service.
Responding, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Tope Agbulu, commended the Pension Commission and the state government for the effective implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme, describing it as a bold initiative to secure the future of pensioners.
He assured that the Assembly remains committed to improving retirees welfare and pledged the lawmakers readiness to support reforms that will further reposition the pension system. Agbulu, however, urged the Commission to intensify sensitization campaigns on the benefits of the contributory scheme, decentralize registration processes, and strengthen collaboration with state and local pension boards to fast-track retirees entitlements.
