APC chieftain tasks govt on prompt payment of gratuites,pension on retirees – NGO empowers over 1000

By Seyi Daniel

One of the arrow-heads of Otoge movement and a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara state, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo has tasked government at all levels to place high premium on prompt payment of gratuities and pensions to retirees.
Akogun Oyedepo posited that delayed payment of pensioners’ entitlements is injurious to the society, adding that regular payment of pensioners’ gratuities and other benefits would lead to establishment of small businesses in the state.
The legal practitioner cum politician said this in Ilorin, Kwara state as the guest speaker at an empowerment programmed organized by Oluwafemi Oparinde Foundation.
The event was dubbed ‘Support for senior citizens.’
Said he: “Government should address the plight of retirees in the state. Construction of roads, bridges and other infrastructural facilities should not be placed over and above payment of retirees entitlements. We are not saying provision of infrastructure is not good, but it only the worker that is alive and health that can make use of those facilities.
“Retirees should not be left to struggle. They deserve timely gratuities and proper training to help them transition smoothly into post-service life.
“During your active years you raised the bar of leadership and governance for the economic prosperity of the state.
“The programme that is on today started way back in 2020. It therefore shows the genuineness and sincerity of the founder.”
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation Femi Oparinde said that the group was giving out cash gift to N50,000 to 1,000 retirees and free medical care to the beneficiaries Oparinde emphasized the importance of honoring those who had dedicated their lives to public service.
“Retirement should not mean abandonment. These individuals have given their best years to the growth of our society, and we must ensure they are not left to suffer,” Oparinde stated.
Since its establishment in 2020, the foundation has expanded its humanitarian efforts beyond COVID-19 relief to include education, entrepreneurship, and support for vulnerable groups. The latest outreach, Oparinde noted, reinforces the need for collective responsibility in caring for retirees.
Chairman of the state National Union of Pensioners (NUP), Alhaji Saidu Oladimeji hailed the intervention, urging the state government to enhance pension payments and introduce more social welfare programmes for senior citizens.