….make case for members dispassionately
Retirees in Ekiti State under the umbrella of Pensioners Association of Nigeria have appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji to release more funds for the payment of outstanding gratuities of Pensioners in the state just like he has been doing.
Chairman of the Association, Mr. Joel Akinola who made the call while speaking with newsmen in Ado Ekiti, confirmed that though the Governor had done so much since inception of office, he should not relent in doing more.
He called on Pensioners to also keep hope alive and support the government of Oyebanji in prayers so as to enable him achieve more success and attend to their needs.
Mr Akinola clarified that the establishment of Pensioners Association of Nigeria was aimed at providing a sustainable platform for retirees to agitate for better life, calling for support of more members.
He affirmed that the association has recorded successes as more pensioners have continued to join them in large number beyond expectation.
So far, we have mobilised our members across all 16 local government areas, as it is customary. We also have the Local Government Pensioners Association of Nigeria (LOGPAN) with us, so we are united and well-organised,”.
“The message to pensioners in Ekiti State is that we have found a new beginning. In the past, we lived in poverty, rejection, and neglect but now, light has come. PAN has become that light. PAN was established to fight for the welfare of our members, including the payment of outstanding gratuities, pensions, and healthcare needs. The present administration has already started addressing these issues, but we want the progress to continue,”.
The Chairman also criticised the leadership style of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), highlighting what he sees as a lack of selfless leadership.
“Leaders should possess a level of self-denial. The interests of members should come before personal gains, because to whom much is given, much is expected. Unfortunately, that has not been the case with NUP.”
PAN is registered and we have submitted our certificate of registration to the appropriate authorities. The government recognises us. I recall the Governor, in one of his addresses, referred to us as his parents and said he would never want to see us suffer. He gave us that assurance himself. With such a commitment, why should our members choose to remain in hardship?” he stated.
“I have said this many times this association has a future. Anyone who believes in a better tomorrow is welcome to join us. Membership is voluntary, and indeed, people have been joining. No one wants to remain in poverty or suffering,” he concluded.
Some new members at the meeting confirmed that they decided to join PAN based on personal conviction and on the account that the leadership of the association has been operating with utmost integrity, accountability and transparency.
They promised to woo more members to join the association as soon as possible.
