Osun Pensioners Lament Unpaid Entitlements, Say We’re Now Beggars

By Alimat Abdulganiyu & Oluwakemi Owoeye, Osogbo

Osun State contributory pensioners on Tuesday trooped out in Osogbo to protest the non payment of pensions and entitlements by the state government.

The pensioners in their numbers staged a walk from Freedom Park to Governor’s office in Osogbo.

CityMirrorNews reports that the protesting pensioners were barred by the security operatives from gaining entry into the Government Secretariat.

The actions of the security officers did not do down well with the aggrieved pensioners who started raining curses on the Government, saying they were being maltreated after years of service.

Speaking, Chairman of the pensioners, Mr Gbenga Oyadare said the publication of the government about paying pension is untrue as it’s not meant for everyone.

He said the pensioners won’t rest until government pays them, noting that it’s their money and entitlement.

Echoing a similar views, Mr Oparinde Sunday-Ola who said he had not been paid any bond and pension since year 2018.

He further explained that the government of the state has subjected many of them into unnecessary ridicule as they had turned to street beggars as a means of survival.

“I retired on 13th of September, 2018 and ever since that year I have not been paid a dime . We have turned to street beggars. Our wives and children have deserted us because we have failed in our responsibilities as parents.

“I retired as headmaster, Baptist Primary School, Gbongan. Life has been so difficult for me and my family. We are begging the governor , Mr Gboyega Oyetola to pay our pension .

Another person , who identified herself as Alhaja Salami Bamidele said some of them were on drugs, adding that some of them have become late.

It will be recalled that the state government on Monday approved Three Hundred Million Naira to pay pension arrears to 1,501 retirees.