Governors Abba Yusuf of Kano State, Mohammad Umaru Bago of Niger State and Umar Namadi of Jigawa State have been conferred with the special award of Pensioners-friendly Governors by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).
The NUP conferred the award on the governors on Tuesday during the 12th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference, which is currently held in Kano.
The award, presented to the governors at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, recognises 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 the pensioners.
He announced plans to establish a farm specifically for pensioners, enabling them to participate in modern farming and sustain their livelihoods.
“The initiative aligned with my administration’s efforts to enhance agricultural productivity in Niger state.
“The state had been actively promoting agricultural development, including distributing tractors and implementing empowerment programmes for the youth and women”, he stated.
He pledged N100 million to the union and thanked his Kano counterpart, Gov. Yusuf, for hosting the conference.
Yusuf, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Abdulsalam Gwarzo, welcomed the delegates and highlighted his administration’s commitment to enhancing the lives of pensioners.
He disclosed that his administration had settled retirement benefits worth over N16 billion, addressing challenges retirees face 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 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.
