15th November, 2023
By Adejoke Adeleye/Ogun
The Ogun chapter of the Local Government Pensioners Association of Nigeria, LOGPAN has commended the state governor, Dapo Abiodun for ensuring full payment of gratuities of about 564 of their members in the past year.
LOGPAN, in a press release signed by its Ogun chairman, Pastor Benedict Ademoye made available to journalists in Abeokuta, the state capital noted that Governor Abiodun has been very supportive of the cause of the local government Pensioners.
“In the last year, 564 local government Pensioners have collected full payment of their gratuities. The icing on the cake was the recent release of N1.9 billion naira to the BLGP for the payment of outstanding gratuities from which 369 local government Pensioners benefited. Matters concerning local government Pensioners were given necessary and prompt attention”.
In stressing the need for appreciation, the Chairman said, “LOGPAN owed Prince Dr Dapo Abiodun CON, Governor of Ogun State a debt of gratitude. He had kept all promises made.
“We thank him for his support, understanding and compassion. God shall bless him, his family and Ogun State. Under his watch, Ogun State shall prosper IJMN. Amen. LOGPAN appreciate and thanks the Governor”.
Pastor Ademoye noted also that in the real sense of compassion, the Governor has been kind to his members, in terms of regular payment of pensions and as at when due, adding that local government retirees have been receiving palliatives unprecedentedly.
“Funds were released to pensioners who have medical challenges from their outstanding gratuities. In the last year, no pensioner known to the association died because of lack of funds to settle medical expenses”, the Chairman stated.
He also extolled the virtues of his predecessor, as well as the backups given by the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led government for the befitting State burial of Chief Sikiru Aksngbe Ayilara JP.
“On Thursday the 10th of November, 2022 the current Leadership of LOGPAN headed by my humble self was elected into office following the transition to glory of our immediate past Chairman Elder Chief Sikiru Akangbe Ayilara JP.
“I pay glowing tribute to our former chairman for his indelible role in the formation and growth of LOGPAN. First as the pioneer State Secretary between the years 2000 to 2010 and as State Chairman between the years 2010 and 2022 when he transited to glory.
“The Ogun State Government headed by Prince Dr Dapo Abiodun CON, had been very supportive of the course of the local government Pensioners. Ogun State Government gave our late Chairman, Chief SIKIRU AKANGBE AYILARA JP what could be described as a STATE BURIAL. Ogun State Government gave LOGPAN both moral and financial support during the burial.
“The government delegation was led by no less a person than Mr Tokunbo Talabi, the Secretary to the state government. My dear comrades, the task ahead is still very big. We cannot afford to rest on our oars. I therefore solicit the continual support of all members of LOGPAN.
“I believe in GOD that all outstanding gratuities shall be paid and pensions shall be harmonized by the government for GOD had done it. Amen.
“The little success achieved could not have happened without the contribution of certain personalities. Comrades, permit me to appreciate Mr Tokunbo Talabi, the SSG. He had been very supportive. It shall be well with him and his family. I also thank the Head of Service, Mr Peter Fagbohun, for his friendly disposition and prompt attention at all times.
“I also thank both the state commissioners for local government and chieftaincy affairs Honorable Ganiu Hamsat and Mr. Dapo Okubadejo the Honorable State Commissioner
of Finance for their love and support for local government pensioners.”