From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
The Nigeria Union Of Pensioners (NUP) has conferred an award of Excellence and recognition as the most Pensioners’ Friendly Governor on Kano state Governor, Dr.Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The Award was bestowed on the Governor on Wednesday during the 11th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference Of the Nigeria Union Of Pensioners held at the NAF Conference Centre,Abuja.
The President Of the Nigeria Union Of Pensioners,Dr.Abel Afolanyan in his speech appreciated Governor Ganduje for his support and performing creditably towards payment of retired workers pension.
According to him, “the award is in recognition of Governor Ganduje’s excellent service to the nation and appreciation of his care and support for all pensioners in Kano State.”
The President Of the Pension Union added that, “in October last year, we were in Kano to commission a State Of the Art Secretariat donated to the Kano State Council of the Union by the State Government.
“The State Pension Union re-emphasized that their Governor is a listening leader, coincidentally also a pensioner and a man with human feeling. No doubt Governor Ganduje has been recognized and honoured with the Award Of Excellence and Pensioner-Friendly Governor.”
In his remarks, while accepting the award, Ganduje who was represented by his Deputy, Dr.Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, thanked the Nigeria Union Of Pensioners for finding him worthy for the award.
He said the conferment of the award is an encouragement to his administration to continue to give priority towards enhancing the lives of the retired workers in the State.
“I am indeed proud of the union and wish to assure of continued support and cooperation to it in order to achieve its goals,” Ganduje added.
He pointed out that his government has never failed in the payment of monthly pension to the pensioners since its inception from 2015 to date.
Ganduje also appreciated the harmonious relationship that exist between his administration and pensioners in the State.
He, however, assured that, “very soon, all arrears of other benefits will be settled.”
Other dignitaries who spoke during the occasion include the Minister Of Labour and Employment, Dr.Chris Ngige represented by the Permanent Secretary, the Chairman Of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau and the President Of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba.
Other Governors who were honoured by the pensioners include the Governors of Lagos, Yobe, Borno and Oyo states for their contribution and commitment towards uplifting the welfare of pensioners.
