By Omolara Osindele & Tunde Olayiwola
Nigeria, Abeokuta – The Ogun State Pension Fund Management Committees for State and Local Government have commended the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for continually demonstrating an unwavering commitment to guaranteeing the welfare of the workforce, both during and after service.
They gave the commendation during a visit to the Office of the Head of Service to present a joint statement signed by the two Committees, aimed at reflecting on the significant progress made in implementing the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) reforms across the State.
According to the Chairman, State Pensions Management Committee, who doubles as the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of State Pensions, Mrs. Arinola Adetayo and her counterpart from the Local Government Pension Management Committee and Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Engr. Olufisan Osiyale, the commendable achievements recorded to date are direct outcomes of the visionary leadership of the Governor and his team towards the smooth and effective implementation of the CPS.
While reeling out key milestones achieved to include Employee Enrolment and Verification, Monthly Deductions Remittance, Palliative Payment, Accrued Pension Rights (APR) Remittance, Return on Investment (ROI), Death Benefits, Approval of the State portion of APR, amongst others, they affirmed that the governor has proven to be a man of his words, whose administration has consistently prioritized the welfare of workers and retirees alike.
“The meeting provided the opportunity to take stock, review challenges and strategise for the next phase of the scheme’s implementation. The joint committees also reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the State Government to upholding a pension system that ensures transparency, sustainability and prompt benefit payments, thereby reinforcing the confidence of the workforce and retirees in the administration’s pension management process”, the report read.
Speaking at the presentation, the Chairman, Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNC), Comrade Isa Olude, on behalf of the orgsnised Labour in the State and the Chairman, Local Government Pension Association of Nigeria (LOGPAN), Ogun State Chapter, Pastor Benedict Adeboye, expressed gratitude to the governor for allaying their fears over the implementation and commended him for approving the various recommendations tabled before him for the betterment of the welfare of the workers, both serving and retired.
They reassured the government to redouble efforts towards the continued progress of the State, as their hearts are gladdened at the process.
In his response, the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, said the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration in the State is irrevocably committed to the welfare of the workers and pensioners alike and this it has consistently demonstrated in words and deeds without paying lip service to his promises.
Mr. Onasanya added that the governor is a promise keeper and that explains why his administration has not reneged on his promises as contained in the Memorandum of Agreement reached with the Leaders of the organised labour in July.
“To our Labour Leaders, we will continue to relate as partners in progress towards the advancement of the cause of our teeming workforce”, the HoS assured.
