Osun Pensioners, Labour Back Adeleke’s Re-Election Bid, Pledge Massive Support at Polls

 By Kehinde Awosina 

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Osun State chapter, has thrown its weight behind Governor Ademola Adeleke's bid for a second term, citing his administration's commitment to retirees' welfare and fulfillment of pension-related obligations.

The endorsement was announced during a gathering of pensioners in Osogbo on Tuesday, where the state chairman of the union, Alhaji S. Ola Odefisayo, described the governor's performance as unprecedented in the history of pension administration in the state.

Odefisayo said pensioners across Osun had witnessed significant improvements in their welfare since Adeleke assumed office, particularly through prompt pension payments, access to healthcare under the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS), and efforts to clear inherited arrears.

According to him, retirees have benefited from several interventions, including the settlement of outstanding half-salary arrears, implementation of a ₦25,000 minimum pension, regular payment of contributory pensions, approval of pension adjustments, provision of boreholes through the health insurance scheme, and the donation of a bus to the union.

He stressed that the endorsement was based on tangible achievements rather than political sentiment, noting that pensioners were merely acknowledging a government that had demonstrated concern for their wellbeing.

While expressing appreciation for the administration's efforts, the pensioners' leader urged the government to sustain its commitment by addressing pending gratuities and outstanding pension adjustments.

Also lending support to the governor, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun declared that workers in the state would stand firmly behind Adeleke in the August 15 governorship election.

The state NLC Chairman, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, said organised labour was satisfied with the administration's treatment of workers, pointing to regular salary payments and worker-friendly policies.

He also condemned comments allegedly made by an opposition APC chieftain suggesting that tailors were superior to civil servants, describing the statement as disrespectful to public servants and the wider labour community.

Arapasopo maintained that all categories of workers, including artisans, deserved recognition and respect for their contributions to society.

The labour leader further stated that workers would not only vote for the governor but would also protect their votes through lawful and democratic means.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to caution political actors whom he accused of using the President's name to make divisive political statements and misrepresenting his ideals.

Responding to the endorsements, Governor Adeleke thanked pensioners and workers for their confidence in his administration, describing the support as a validation of his government's people-focused policies.

The governor reiterated that pensioners deserved dignity after years of service to the state and said his administration made their welfare a priority immediately after assuming office.

He noted that measures such as payment of arrears, the monthly ₦25,000 wage award for pensioners, and inclusion of retirees in the state health insurance programme were aimed at improving their quality of life.

Adeleke assured both pensioners and workers that his administration would continue implementing policies designed to enhance welfare, expand healthcare access, strengthen social protection, and create economic opportunities.

The governor urged supporters to translate their endorsement into votes during the August 15 election, saying continuity would help consolidate gains already recorded in workers' welfare, pension administration, healthcare delivery, and governance across the state.