How Oyo Pensioners United to Honor Governor Seyi Makinde: A Testament to Compassionate Leadership and Lasting Legacy
In an extraordinary and heartfelt demonstration of gratitude, members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State Council, recently honored Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, presenting him with a symbolic and culturally rich gift—a majestic white horse—as a sign of deep appreciation for his sustained commitment to the welfare of pensioners across the state. This significant moment reflects the genuine affection and respect pensioners have for their governor, a leader they describe as a true advocate and champion for the elderly.
The presentation of the white horse—not just a gift, but a tribute steeped in symbolism—signifies honour, respect, and loyalty. The entire pensioners’ community in Oyo State contributed towards this special gesture, affirming their unity and collective appreciation for a governor who has transformed their welfare landscape with dignity and compassion. They declared their unflinching support for Makinde’s leadership, emphatically asserting that “wherever he goes in 2027, we will follow him.”
Transforming Pension Systems and Restoring Dignity
Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has been widely lauded for prioritizing the welfare of pensioners—a group long neglected by previous governments. His initiatives have brought about sweeping reforms to pension administration in the state, ensuring that retirees receive not only consistent pension payments but also meaningful increases that have substantially improved their quality of life.
Under his leadership:
Pension payments are now regular and predictable, with retirees receiving their stipends on or before the 25th of every month—a remarkable improvement from the past irregular and delayed payments.
The minimum monthly pension was reviewed to ₦25,000, making Oyo State pensioners among the highest-paid in the federation.
Incremental adjustments were implemented, including the inclusion of previously withheld adjustments such as the 33% pension increase from 2010 and consequential adjustments in 2019, in addition to a 20% across-the-board increase.
The administration is addressing pension and gratuity arrears inherited from past administrations, with efforts to clear the significant backlog before the expiration of the current tenure in May 2027.
These strategic interventions have not only stabilized pension disbursements but have also restored a sense of dignity to retirees who had endured years of hardship due to stagnant and inadequate pension benefits.
A Legacy of Compassion and Social Commitment
The appreciation rally and subsequent public declaration of support by NUP members are unprecedented in the history of Oyo State’s pension advocacy. Pensioners openly celebrated Makinde’s responsive governance, acknowledging that his reforms have fundamentally changed their socio-economic realities after years of neglect.
In past years, pensioners often faced irregular payments, withheld gratuities, and financial distress—circumstances that saw many retirees struggle to afford basic necessities. Under Makinde’s leadership, however, retirees now speak of renewed hope and economic stability, describing their improved welfare as historic in the annals of pension administration in the state.
Broad-Based Support Reflects Deep Gratitude
The pensioners’ gesture of presenting a white horse carries more than ceremonial value—it is emblematic of deep-rooted loyalty, respect, and an enduring bond between the governor and a constituency that represents decades of service to the state. Their vow to continue supporting him beyond 2027 signals strong electoral goodwill that transcends ordinary political alliances.
Governor Makinde’s leadership style—marked by empathy, strategic policymaking, and inclusive governance—has won him not only the admiration of pensioners but of many other demographic groups across Oyo State. The pensioners’ honor underscores the profound impact that thoughtful, people-centered governance can have on citizens, especially the vulnerable and often overlooked.
In honoring Governor Seyi Makinde with such a distinguished token, the pensioners of Oyo State have affirmed what many analysts now recognize: that his administration’s legacy will be defined not just by infrastructure or economic gains, but by a renewed social contract that places human welfare and dignity at the forefront.
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