The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State Chapter, has appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to transfer pensioners of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) to the mainstream Oyo State Pension Board.
The union made the call during a press conference held on Wednesday at the Pensioners’ House in Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the union, Comrade James Osuntade, decried the failure of BCOS and several Oyo State tertiary institutions to implement the pension review announced by the governor five months ago.
Osuntade noted that institutions such as Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Oke-Ogun Polytechnic Saki, The Polytechnic Eruwa, and the Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate, have refused to effect the pension review, citing the absence of a formal approving circular from the governor.
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“Beloved comrades of Oyo State tertiary institutions and the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, it is now five months since our amiable governor, Seyi Makinde, approved an upward review of pensions—a major step toward alleviating the hardship faced by pensioners across the state,” he said.
“The governor’s directive has been implemented by institutions such as the Oyo State Pensions Board, the Local Government Pensions Board, the Oyo State Sports Council, and the State Housing Corporation, all without requiring any further circular or authority.”
He expressed disappointment that BCOS and the listed tertiary institutions have remained adamant, insisting on receiving formal approval from the governor before implementing the directive—even after the union formally wrote to them.
“Many eminent personalities have served at BCOS. We plead that their retirement should not be marked by suffering.
“Therefore, we appeal to Governor Makinde to transfer BCOS pensioners to the mainstream Oyo State Pension Board.
“These are men and women who have worked tirelessly for the growth and glory of our state and should not be left in misery.”
The union also warned that continued disregard for the governor’s directive may lead to mass protests.
“We wish to state categorically that if we are pushed to the wall and take to the streets against these institutions, His Excellency should not view our actions as a rebellion against his authority.
“Rather, he should see them as steps taken by his own people to enforce his directive on these defaulting institutions,” Osuntade concluded.
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