Abiodun pledges stronger ties with retirees

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has promised better collaboration with retirees in the state, to better develop the public service.

This was as the governor got the ‘Special Appreciation Award’ for regular payment of monthly pensions and resuscitation of the payment of gratuities.

A Wednesday statement said the award was conferred on the governor by the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in Ogun State.

The presentation of the award plaque was made public during the 25th anniversary and the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the association, held at the ARHSPS Secretariat, Abiola Way, Abeokuta.

Represented by the state Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, the governor was also commended for increasing the quarterly release of gratuity and the recognition given to pensioners and elderly in the distribution of the various palliative initiatives put in place by the government for the people.

In his speech, Abiodun congratulated all the members for their invaluable contributions to the progress of the state at large, saying legacies left behind by them in the public service could not be undermined.

He added that the dedication and service of the association had formed the bedrock upon which much of the successes of governance of the state and public administration had been built.

He promised that his administration would remain committed to ensuring that their remarkable efforts were honoured and respected.

The governor said, “Our administration remains committed to promoting a strong and fruitful partnership with your association in the collective effort to advance the development of the public service and the state as a whole.

“We acknowledge the immense value your experience and knowledge have brought to the fore and we shall continue to seek your counsel and expertise as we chart the path forward for the progress and prosperity of Ogun State.

“Rest assured that the foundations of excellence you have helped establish in the public administration of Ogun State will remain strong and that the legacy of your contributions will continue to shape a brighter future for all.”

Abiodun appreciated the association for the special recognition award presented to him as the Grand Patron, in recognition of his administration’s support.

He submitted that the feat being recognised could not have been possible without the unyielding support enjoyed by the government from all stakeholders.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of ARHSPS, Adeniyi Abiola, thanked the governor for his support over the years, especially in the prompt payment of monthly pensions, and sustenance of quarterly payment of gratuities, among others.

Other awardees at the event included 93-year-old Chief Oluneye Okuboyejo, who is the oldest member of the association as well as Otunba Babatunde Osokoya, Elder Adekunle Anwoo, Godwin Ogun, Pastor Oyenuga Ositelu, Nuraini Adeleke, Princess Iyabo Odulate, and Funmilayo Lewis, among others.

The event also featured the conferment of posthumous awards on Chief A.A.K. Degun, Chief T.A. Taiwo, and Chief E.V.O. Koleoso, amongst others.

In August, the Ogun State government handed over cheques of N100m retirement benefits to 86 retirees of the Ilushin Estate Limited in the Ogun Waterside Local Government area of the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, presented the cheques to the beneficiaries at the rubber plantation, Ilushin.

Owotomo stated that the payment marked a new chapter in the Estate’s journey toward sustainable growth and development.