According to a news report from the Nigerian Tribune, retirees in Kwara State, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), have appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to urgently settle the backlog of statutory gratuities for local government retirees from 2011 to date.

In a statement jointly signed by NUP Chairman Alhaji Saidu Oladimeji and Secretary Comrade (Chief) Abraham Jona Gana (JP), the retirees also called for the settlement of state retirees' gratuities from 2015 to the present.

Additionally, the statement highlighted the need for part payments of gratuities for retired state workers from 2000 to 2006, urging the governor to allocate substantial funds to clear these entitlements.

The union also appealed to Governor AbdulRazaq to implement the consequential adjustment of pensions following the 30% national minimum wage increase, noting that state workers have been enjoying this adjustment since January 2022.

Moreover, the group emphasised the urgent need for the approval of government land allocation for a new NUP secretariat through the State Geographic Information Service.

As Governor AbdulRazaq, who also serves as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, marks the first year of his second term, the NUP in the state congratulated him, describing the year as eventful, purposeful, peaceful, and progressive.

The retirees praised the governor's impactful administration, noting significant progress in education, health, agriculture, road maintenance and construction, water supply, sports development, security, and the regular payment of salaries and pensions. They referred to him as the "People's Governor" due to his milestone achievements and responsive governance.

“The union particularly applauded the Governor for his interest and love for civil servants and pensioners in the state by paying their salaries and pension as at when due, worthy of mention is recent release of funds for settlement of arrears of salaries of Local Government and SUBEB pensioners.

“As you commence the second year in office of your second term, the Union prayed for your God's favour sound health and divine wisdom to continue to serve the good people of Kwara State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole.

“The Union also appealed to all the people of Kwara State to be fully supportive of the Governor through their cooperation and absolute loyalty saying that by so doing, the Governor will be able to perform more and take the state to the next level”.