by Kehinde Erin
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has authorised a harmonisation allowance of N10,000 for all pensioners in the state.
The Governor approved the pension lift after Mr. Elijah Evenemi, the Head of Civil Service, presented the report at Government House, recently.
The Governor stated that his administration is dedicated to prioritising the welfare of senior citizens and expressed gratitude to the pensioners for their service during their active years.
Governor Ododo stated that his administration will further advance the accomplishments of former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
He stated that pensioners earning less than N50,000 will be included in the health insurance scheme from both the State and Local Governments.
The Governor stated that since taking office, pensioners have been receiving their monthly pensions on time.
Previously, Mr. Ohida Otaru, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, expressed gratitude to the Governor for meeting with the Union after two decades without any interaction, marking a positive step towards improving the welfare of their members.
Mr. Ohida commended the Governor for effectively utilising state resources to benefit citizens positively and for ensuring full salary payments to Local Government employees.
He specifically praised the Governor for the pension adjustments, emphasising that they will greatly enhance the welfare of senior citizens.
During the report presentation, the State Head of Service, Mr. Elijah Evinemi, noted that the Governor is committed to prioritising the welfare of retirees.
Likewise, Comrade Onu Edoka, the Special Adviser on Labour Matters, commended Governor Ododo for the swift approval of a minimum wage of N72,500 for workers, describing it as a testament to the Governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people.