Date: 2019-07-05

Federal, state and local government retirees in Kwara state, under the umbrella of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUT) have lamented hardship caused by nonpayment of their arrears of pension by relevant authorities. Speaking when the state chairman of the union, Comrade Saidu Oladimeji, met with NUP members in Offa, Offa local government area of the state during state tour of all local government areas on Wednesday, the pensioners called on the leadership of the union to find a prompt solution to their plight.

The chairman and his entourage, who were warmly received by the members, were also urged to find a solution to such problems as regular payment of their monthly pension, payment of members' 10-year gratuities, arrears of the monthly pension and stoppage of percentage monthly pension. Also speaking, Comrade Oladimeji urged pensioners to be patient with the new governor in the state, who he said was working to solve their problems.

He also charged them to see themselves as their brother's keeper, saying that they should work in unison and cooperate with the leadership of the NUP in the state to achieve its ideas and welfare programmes.

While he thanked pensioners in Offa for the warm reception, he stressed the need for both state and local government pensioners in the area to work together as a team. In his welcome address, branch chairman, NUP Offa local government, Chief James Adebayo Shogo, commended the initiative behind the familiarization/sensitization tour of all local government areas in the state, pledging members' support and loyalty to the present leadership of the union. At Ipee, Oyun local government area, the NUP chairman in the branch, Chief Bayo Adeogun, also pledged support to the union.

It was gathered that the tour has also been taken to Ilorin West and Asa local government areas.