The Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State chapter, Comrade Segun Abatan, has applauded Governor Seyi Makinde for transforming the lives of retirees in the state, describing his administration as a turning point that ended years of hardship and neglect.
In an exclusive interview with The People’s Verdict, Abatan recounted the dire situation pensioners faced before Governor Makinde took office, saying they were treated with disdain and had lost hope in past administrations.
“Before Makinde, we were ignored and treated as the living dead. Pensions were paid irregularly — sometimes just three or four months in an entire year, and even then, in percentages,” Abatan recalled.
He praised Governor Makinde’s immediate commitment to pensioners upon assuming office, including his decision to donate his salary to pension payments and the prompt abolishment of the percentage-based disbursements.
According to Abatan, since 2019, Makinde has paid pensions without fail, gradually increasing the monthly gratuity allocation from N250 million to N1 billion.
“Seyi Makinde wiped away our tears. He gave us dignity and restored our lives. No other state pensioners enjoy what we do in Oyo,” he said.
Beyond pensions, Abatan also commended the Governor’s achievements in infrastructure and agriculture. He highlighted the transformation of the Fasola settlement into a thriving agricultural industrial hub and improvements in road networks across major towns like Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, and Saki.
On health care, the NUP leader noted visible improvements, stressing that the Makinde administration had given attention to critical sectors of development.
“If we had the option of a third term, we would gladly support him. Some are even joking that he should be made a life governor — that’s how satisfied we are,” he said.
Looking ahead, Abatan urged Governor Makinde to consider contesting for the presidency, insisting that his impact at the federal level would be unprecedented.
“We don’t want him in the National Assembly; he’s too effective to be underutilized. Let him lead the nation. Pensioners across the country will back him because we know what he has done here,” he added.
The NUP boss concluded by reaffirming the union’s unwavering support for Makinde, emphasizing that his administration has become a benchmark for good governance and compassion toward the elderly.
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