2027: APM Gubernatorial Candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, Pledges Enhanced Welfare for Oyo Retirees

The Allied People’s Movement (APM) gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Hon. Abimbola Adekanmbi, has assured retirees in the state of enhanced welfare packages when he assumes office as governor in 2027.

Hon. Adekanmbi gave the assurance during the flag-off ceremony of a zonal sensitization training programme for prospective local government retirees, held at the Local Government Staff Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The two-in-one event—organized for prospective retirees set to leave service between October 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027, alongside the disbursement of gratuities to another batch of pensioners, was designed to prepare retiring officers for life after active public service.

Addressing participants, Hon. Adekanmbi, a former Commissioner for Finance, commended Governor Seyi Makinde for clearing backlogs of unpaid gratuities and prioritizing retiree welfare.

He promised to build on these achievements to justify the confidence reposed in him by Governor Makinde, who endorsed him as his successor.

He urged the retirees to vote for him in the upcoming election while also soliciting support for Governor Makinde’s presidential ambitions to replicate good governance across the country, as well as supporting all other APM candidates in Oyo State.

Speaking at the event, the Oyo State Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, stated that the state government measures the effectiveness of its public service not only by the performance of active workers, but also by the care, dignity, and respect accorded to those who devoted their productive years to the state.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Career and Management Service (Office of the HoS), Mr. Osungbekun Lateef Adeleke, Dr. Fasina encouraged participants to engage actively in the sessions, seek clarifications, and maximize the programme’s benefits.

She also commended the Local Government Staff Pension Board for taking the sensitization initiative directly to officers across various zones.

“This arrangement provides an opportunity to reach prospective retirees more effectively, address their unique concerns, and deepen their understanding of retirement-related issues,” she noted.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Board, Hon. Akeem Ige, explained that the training—themed “Towards a Secure, Sustainable, and Dignified Retirement”—aimed to educate participants on pension administration, retirement procedures, documentation requirements, benefit computation, financial planning, investment opportunities, and healthcare management.

Hon. Ige highlighted key milestones achieved by the board under the Seyi Makinde administration, including:
Regular pension payments on or before the 25th of every month.
Disbursement of ₦42 billion in gratuities and death benefits to clear inherited and accrued backlogs.

Provision of a ₦10,000 monthly transport support fund and a ₦15,000 wage award for pensioners.
Implementation of a ₦25,000 minimum monthly pension for the lowest-paid retirees.
Approval of a ₦50,000 Christmas bonus.
Decentralization of gratuity payouts and sensitization programmes.

Others include procurement of a utility bus for the Pension Board.
Enrollment of pensioners into the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme (OYSHIA) at zero cost.

Also speaking, the Oyo State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, emphasized the importance of ensuring retirees live with dignity, enjoy the fruits of their labor, and remain active, valuable contributors to society after years of educating children and administering public services.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Establishment and Training, Alhaji Siju Lawal, alongside the APM candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Dhikirrullahi Olajide Odidiomo (represented by his Campaign Director-General, Barr. Seun Adelore), cautioned voters against politicians spreading false narratives about the current administration in an attempt to set the state back.

Resource persons at the workshop included the Executive Secretary of OYSHIA, Dr. Sola Akande; the Director of Personnel at SUBEB, Mrs. Omolara Adegbenjo; and a retired Head of Local Government Administration and former LGSPB Secretary, Dr. (Mrs.) Ayodele Busari, all of whom delivered lectures on post-retirement well-being.

The event concluded with symbolic presentations of gratuity cheques to beneficiaries and certificates of participation to prospective retirees.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishment and Training, Barrister M.S. Olagoke; the Accountant-General, Mrs. Adegoke Kikelomo (represented by Mr. Kilanko Olayemi); executive members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP); heads of departments; and staff of the Local Government Staff Pension Board.