OYO NUP commends Makinde, LGSPB over stress-free pensioners verification exercise

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State Chapter, has commended Governor Seyi Makinde and the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board (LGSPB) for the successful conduct of the recently concluded “I Am Alive” physical verification exercise for retired primary school teachers and local government staff across the state.

The commendation was given by the chairmen of the retired primary school teachers and local government staff wings of the union, Comrade Dosu Akinpelu and Alhaji Muniru Adesope, respectively.

According to a statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit of the Board, the pensioners praised the state government for adopting an orderly and senior citizen-friendly approach throughout the exercise.

The union leaders described the verification process as seamless and stress-free, noting that the arrangement reflected the government’s concern for the wellbeing of elderly retirees.

They also appreciated Governor Makinde for deploying security personnel to all screening centres across the 33 local government areas of the state.

The “I Am Alive” verification exercise, conducted by the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board, was aimed at determining the actual number of pensioners on the payroll who are still alive, in line with the Board’s statutory mandate.

The exercise covered retired local government staff, primary school teachers and non-teaching staff of public primary schools across the state.

Speaking while monitoring the exercise across the state, the Chairman of the Board, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, reiterated the administration’s commitment to pensioners’ welfare.

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“Governor Seyi Makinde remains committed to the welfare of all pensioners in Oyo State, and this administration will continue to implement policies and programmes that promote their wellbeing and dignity,” he said.

Hon. Ige explained that special arrangements were made for pensioners who were unable to attend the screening physically.

“Retirees who have health challenges and are receiving treatment in hospitals were screened through video calls. Pensioners residing outside the country will also be screened virtually on dates that will be communicated to them,” he stated.

The exercise recorded a large turnout of retirees across the state, with participants expressing appreciation to the governor and the Pension Board for ensuring a hitch-free process.

Many of the pensioners described the exercise as one of the most organised verification exercises conducted in recent years.

“We were treated with respect and consideration throughout the exercise. The process was smooth, orderly and truly friendly to senior citizens,” some of the retirees said.

The pensioners also used the opportunity to pray for the safe return of the teachers and pupils reportedly abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.

The verification exercise commenced on June 1 and ended on June 11, 2026, at designated centres across the state.

Some prominent retirees who spoke during the exercise, including the Chairman of the Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Kamardeen Aderibigbe; the Alepata of Igboho, Oba Dr Joel Olalere Olawuwo; and the Chairman of the Conference of Retired Heads of Local Government Administration, Alhaji Gbolagade Agboluaje, praised Governor Makinde for sustaining pensioners’ welfare programmes since assuming office.

They noted that the governor had consistently rolled out welfare initiatives that had positively impacted retirees across the state.

Commending all stakeholders involved in the exercise, Hon. Ige said: “The success of this exercise is a result of the cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders, including members of the Board, local government chairmen, NUP executives, permanent secretaries, management and staff of the Board, and other partners who contributed to the smooth conduct of the exercise.”

He expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Oyedele Sanda, other local government chairmen and officials for their support in ensuring the successful completion of the verification exercise.