Govs Yusuf,Bago,Namadi Bag Pensioners- Friendly Governors’ Award
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Governors Abba Yusuf of Kano State, Mohammad Umaru Bago of Niger State and Umar Namadi of Jigawa State were on Tuesday conferred with the special award of Pensioners-friendly Governors by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).
The NUP conferred the award on the governors during the 12th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference currently holding in Kano.
The award which was presented to the governors at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, recognizes the governors’ contributions to the welfare of pensioners in their respective states.
In his remarks, Bago expressed gratitude for the award, stating that it would boost his morale to do more for pensioners.
He announced plans to establish a farm specifically for pensioners, to enable them to participate in modern farming and sustain their livelihoods.
He said the initiative aligned with his administration’s efforts to enhance agricultural productivity in Niger state.
The governor said the state had been actively promoting agricultural development, including distributing tractors and implementing empowerment programmes for the youth and women.
He pledged a donation of N100 million to the union,and thanked Governor Yusuf for hosting the conference.
Governor Yusuf, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Abdulsalam Gwarzo, welcomed delegates and highlighted his administration’s commitment to enhancing the lives of pensioners.
He disclosed that his administration had so far settled retirement benefits worth over N16 billion, addressing challenges faced by retirees in accessing their benefits.
President of the NUP,Mazi Godwin Abumisi, said the awards were in recognition of the governors’ contributions to the well-being of pensioners.
Abumisi noted that settling pension and gratuity arrears had significantly addressed economic challenges faced by the senior citizens.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Joe Ajero, represented by Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, described the conference as timely and urged participants to focus on enhancing senior citizens’ welfare.
The conference attracted delegates from all parts of the federation.