The Abia State Government has restated its commitment to the welfare of pensioners in the state, assuring them that their concerns will continue to receive attention under the present administration.
The Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere, gave the assurance when members of the newly elected State Executive of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Abia State Chapter, visited his office to formally introduce the new leadership of the union.
Ojeikere congratulated the newly elected executives on their emergence and wished them a successful tenure. He urged them to work together in the interest of pensioners and maintain a good relationship with the state government.
He said the government recognised the important role pensioners played in the development of the state during their years of active service. He assured them that matters concerning their welfare would continue to receive the attention of the government.
The Head of Service also encouraged the new NUP leadership to maintain open communication with the relevant government authorities whenever issues affecting pensioners arise.
Earlier, the NUP Chairman, Elder Chukwuemeka Irondi, thanked the state government for what he described as its efforts towards improving the welfare of pensioners in Abia.
Irondi particularly appreciated the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti for the regular payment of pensions and the commencement of the payment of outstanding gratuities owed to pensioners for many years.
According to him, the payment of the outstanding gratuities has brought relief to many pensioners who had waited for a long time to receive their entitlements.
The NUP Chairman, however, appealed to the state government to consider the harmonisation of pension benefits to ensure that pensioners receive improved benefits in line with prevailing conditions.
He also called for the implementation of the two per cent monthly check-off dues deducted from members’ pensions, saying the measure would help strengthen the activities of the union and enable it to better represent the interests of pensioners.
Irondi assured the government of the union’s continued support and goodwill. He said the NUP would continue to pray for the success of the administration and work with the government to address issues affecting pensioners.
The union further expressed its willingness to maintain a cordial relationship with the state government, stressing that cooperation between both sides would help promote the welfare and interests of pensioners across Abia State.
