Director-general of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Omolola Oloworaran, has described former President Muhammadu Buhari as a visionary leader whose legacy in establishing the Micro-Pension Scheme transformed retirement security for millions of low-income Nigerians.
She also praised the late leader’s legacy of integrity and service to the underprivileged, recalling how his administration laid the foundation for the country’s more “inclusive and humane” pension system.
She disclosed this after paying a condolence visit to the family of the late president in Daura, describing him as a national treasure whose leadership transformed Nigeria’s pension landscape.
“President Buhari was a very good man. He was one of the most honest and selfless leaders this nation has ever had.
“His name has been in the public space for decades. Even as a child, I admired his leadership during his military regime, which many still regard as one of the most disciplined in Nigeria’s history.”
The PENCOM boss particularly highlighted Buhari’s pivotal role in launching the Micro-Pension Scheme 2019, an initiative to extend pension coverage to informal sector workers and low-income Nigerians.
“President Buhari deeply cared for poor and struggling Nigerians. The Micro-Pension Scheme was his vision to ensure that every citizen, regardless of status, has access to a living wage in retirement,” she noted.
Oloworaran called on relevant authorities and stakeholders to honour Buhari’s legacy by expanding the scheme’s reach to more Nigerians.
“As we mourn, we also must preserve and grow the vision he began. We owe it to his memory to build a pension system where fairness and dignity are guaranteed for all,” she said.
She concluded with prayers for the late president, asking God to grant him eternal rest and forgive his shortcomings. “This is a national loss. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
