Ajadi Urges Oyo Pensioners to Back APM Candidates in 2027

Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has urged pensioners in Oyo State to vote for Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in the 2027 general election, citing the governor’s performance in the welfare of pensioners, serving civil servants and other workers. Ajadi said the current administration had done better in addressing their welfare needs than previous administrations, which he accused of treating pensioners and civil servants poorly.

Ajadi made the call on Wednesday at the closing ceremony of the zonal sensitisation training for prospective retirees in the Oyo State local government sector and the payment of gratuities to another batch of retirees. The event was held at the Local Government Staff Commission Training School Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan.Speaking at the programme, Ajadi said retirees who had devoted 35 years to public service deserved adequate care and support after leaving active service.

He urged pensioners to remember the experiences of previous administrations when deciding how to vote in 2027. He also encouraged those joining the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) to remain actively involved in issues affecting their welfare and retirement benefits.The Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, also commended Makinde for his administration’s handling of workers’ welfare since assuming office in 2019. Addressing pensioners preparing to join the NUP, Ige said retirement could be rewarding when the government prioritised the welfare of workers and retirees.

Ige stated that salaries of civil servants and other workers had been paid on the 25th of every month under Makinde’s administration. He urged pensioners to appreciate efforts aimed at improving their welfare and ensuring a more secure retirement.Similarly, the Chairman of Retired Primary School Teachers in Oyo State, Dosu Akinpelu, praised Makinde’s performance and urged pensioners to vote for all candidates of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in the 2027 general election. He said pensioners should consider the administration’s record on workers’ welfare when deciding which candidates to support.Hon. Sikiru Oyedele Sanda advised prospective retirees to manage their retirement benefits carefully, warning them against investing in businesses they did not understand.

He urged them to exercise caution in their financial decisions to avoid losing their entitlements to poorly planned ventures or fraudulent schemes.Sanda also praised Makinde, describing him as a governor who prioritised the interests of ordinary people. He expressed the view that the governor could perform well if elected president of Nigeria.Earlier, the Acting Head of Local Government Administration, Mr Musibau Olatunbosun Ladele, said the sensitisation programme was designed to prepare prospective retirees for a secure, sustainable and dignified retirement.

He explained that retirement required proper planning, sound financial management and an understanding of pension procedures and entitlements.Ladele urged participants to ensure their retirement documents were accurate and up to date and to seek clarification from the appropriate authorities whenever necessary.

He also warned gratuity beneficiaries against fraudsters and promoters of Ponzi schemes, while appreciating Governor Makinde, the Head of Service, the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board, resource persons and other stakeholders for their contributions to the programme. Other dignitaries present included the Chairman of Ogo-Oluwa Local Government, Hon. Seun Ojo, Dr Mrs Ayodeji Busari and Dr Ayobami Omotoso.