Chairman of the Local Government Pensioners Association of Nigeria (LOGPAN), Ogun State Chapter, Pastor Benedict Ademoye, has lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for placing the welfare of retirees at the centre of his administration's agenda, by successfully clearing 10 years of outstanding gratuity arrears owed to Local Government pensioners and retired primary school teachers, a development which he said was a major relief for thousands of beneficiaries across the State.

Ademoye gave the commendation during the July Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting attended by Local Government Chairmen and key stakeholders at the Ile Igbimo Awon Oba, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He said the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme was a sustainable framework that guaranteed regular pension payments and enhanced retirement benefits for both serving workers and retirees, adding that the scheme had strengthened the financial security of pensioners while ensuring a more reliable and rewarding retirement system.

Ademoye, further commended the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, led by the Commissioner, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, for championing policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of retirees in the State.

 "I commend Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Commissioner and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for their responsiveness, innovation and dedication to ensuring that retirees in Ogun State enjoy a more comfortable and dignified life after service. Your Excellency, thank you for your compassion and for giving attention to our yearnings," he said.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, said the Governor's consistent fulfilment of obligations to retirees had reflected a leadership style rooted in compassion, accountability and responsible governance.

 He noted that the prompt payment of gratuities remained a clear demonstration of the administration's unwavering commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of pensioners.

Hamzat stressed that the Prince Dapo Abiodun administrations’ had continued to prioritise the welfare of senior citizens by ensuring that those who devoted the most productive years of their lives to public service receive the recognition, respect and support they deserve in retirement.

The Commissioner added that the sustained payment of gratuities, underscored the government's resolve to honour its obligations to retirees, noted that the initiative had restored hope, renewed confidence and significantly improved the quality of life of thousands of pensioners, while reinforcing the administration's vision of building an inclusive government that recognised dedication, loyalty and meritorious service.