Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has set a new precedent by approving a pension harmonization for retirees in the state, marking the first adjustment in 20 years. The announcement was made on October 22, 2024, at the Government House in Lokoja, where the governor addressed pensioners following the submission of the Pension Lift Report by the Head of Civil Service, Mr. Elijah Evenemi.
In a significant boost for Kogi State’s senior citizens, Governor Ododo approved an additional N10,000 as a harmonization allowance for all pensioners. This move underscores the governor’s commitment to enhancing the lives of Kogi State’s retired workers and signals a new era of support for pensioners.
Governor Ododo, a seasoned accountant and politician, has been known for his dedication to transparency, accountability, and good governance. His administration has made retirees’ welfare a top priority, implementing various initiatives to support pensioners and foster a positive transformation in Kogi State.
In another groundbreaking development, the governor also announced that all pensioners in the state would now be covered under the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme. This ensures that retirees have access to quality healthcare, further improving their well-being and quality of life.
The announcement was met with appreciation from the pensioners’ community. Mr. Ohida Otaru, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Kogi State, expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for his engagement with the union after a 20-year wait for an audience. Mr. Otaru commended the governor’s prudent management of state resources and commitment to paying full salaries to local government staff.
He praised the pension harmonization as a transformative step for retirees, noting that it will greatly improve their welfare. Mr. Elijah Evinemi, the State Head of Service, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the governor’s focus on retirees’ well-being.
The Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Comrade Onu Edoka, also lauded the governor’s swift approval of both the pension harmonization and the new N72,500 minimum wage for workers. Edoka emphasized that these moves reflect Governor Ododo’s dedication to the welfare of all citizens in Kogi State.
Governor Ododo’s meeting with the leadership of the Kogi State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners marks a commitment to engaging with key stakeholders and addressing their needs.
With these initiatives, Governor Ododo is paving the way for a brighter future for Kogi State’s pensioners and demonstrating a strong commitment to the welfare of citizens across the state.
Source: Kogi State Govt.
