The Ogun State government has once again reiterated its commitment to consistently prioritize the welfare of its retirees. This was demonstrated through the recent release of the sum of N3.2 billion to offset backlogs of gratuities for retired State Public servants while Local Government retirees got N3.4 billion through the LG Joint allocation account Committee. JAAC
The Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, made this known while declaring open the 9th Quarterly General Meeting of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries - South West, Nigeria (ARHOSPS-SWN), hosted by the Ogun State chapter of the Association at the ARHOSPS Secretariat, opposite OOPL gate, Abiola Way, Abeokuta.
Represented by the Head of Service of the State, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, the governor said the gesture is a show of appreciation and the responsibility of a responsive government that is totally committed to the welfare and well-being of its senior citizens, as the roles they play in the ongoing actualization of the administration's "Building Our Future Together" Agenda have not gone unnoticed.
He restated that his administration remains committed to maintaining strong ties with the forebears of the Public Service and has continually demonstrated a deep respect for the founding fathers of the Civil Service, upon which he is privileged to build.
"There is a clear recognition that progress is not complete without the voice and wisdom of those who have walked the path and contributed immensely to shaping the standards we uphold. In this regard, we shall continue to support the Association and maintain open lines of engagement to harness the wealth of experience within the distinguished body," the governor pledged.
Gov. Abiodun revealed that an initiative has been put in place to train prospective retirees, especially members of the top echelon, in preparation for life after service, as this is also part of the government's support for workers as they transition into retirement, in order to make them remain valuable to themselves, society, and the continued progress and development of Gateway State.
"Esteemed Senior Citizens, I urge you to reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing the Public Service in your respective States and the South West at large. Use the platform to craft ideas, develop strategies, and consider collaborative solutions that align with the aspirations of our people. This is because when leaders with your experience and vision engage in thoughtful conversation, progress is not far behind," he added.
In a remark, the Regional President of the Association, Dr. Ebenezer Okebukola, recapped events that had taken place in the six South West states, including partnering with Brazil Amber Energia to establish power plants to further enhance industrial growth and food security in Ogun State, among others.
He appreciated Governor Abiodun for providing support to the state chapter of the Association to make their stay comfortable by hosting them at the meeting.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Governor's Elder Consultative Council and the last Permanent Secretary still alive since the creation of the State, Chief Oluneye Okuboyejo, urged the delegates to keep up the spirit of brotherhood so that the objectives of the Association can be further achieved.
In a keynote address, a retired AIG and former Head of INTERPOL, Sikiru Lanre Bankole, while speaking on "The Elderly and the Challenge of Security in Nigeria," advised the senior citizens to be wary of falling into any form of cybercrime and any business that promises 100 percent return, as that is not possible.
He charged them to handle with caution economic, physical, and financial challenges, as well as to avoid late-night travels and not allow loneliness to send them to their early graves.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Host Chairman, Engr. Adeniyi Abiola, said since the inception of the South West body, Ogun State has been an active participant and appreciated the State Governor for his unflinching support towards the welfare of the members and the development of the Association at large.
At the end of the meeting, a seven-member electoral committee headed by Chief Olatoye Adeyeye from Osun State was inaugurated to usher in the next executive members.
Five resolutions were issued at the end of the meeting as the delegates engaged in robust and insightful deliberations on a range of issues pertinent to the welfare of members, the development of the South West region, and the progress of Nigeria as a whole.
Some of the delegates, including Otunba Nurudeen Ojora from Lagos and Mrs. Mojisola Ajayi from Ondo State, appreciated the government of Ogun State for putting in place good infrastructure and prompt payment of the pensions and gratuities of the retirees in the State.
