…..Donates N100 Million, Reaffirms Commitment to Retirees’ Welfare….
Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commissioned the Comrade Godwin Abumisi Pensioners’ Legacy House, the corporate headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), in Abuja, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of retired public servants.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday.
At the event, the President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, commended Governor Yusuf’s unwavering commitment to pension reforms, recalling that he was honoured as the Most Pensioners-Friendly Governor of the Year 2024 in recognition of his exceptional support for retirees.
Abumisi particularly praised the Kano State Government for settling ₦32 billion out of the ₦48.6 billion gratuity liabilities inherited by the present administration, describing the achievement as a major relief to thousands of pensioners and their families.
In his address, Governor Yusuf described the commissioning of the Legacy House as more than the unveiling of a building, saying it represents society’s appreciation for the sacrifices and years of dedicated service rendered by retired public servants.
The Governor noted that pension is not a privilege but a legitimate entitlement earned through years of faithful service, stressing that the true measure of any responsible government lies in how it treats those who have devoted their lives to public service.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to clear the remaining pension backlog before the expiration of its tenure, while sustaining the prompt and regular payment of monthly pensions.
Governor Yusuf also recalled his administration’s decision to increase the minimum pension in Kano State from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000 to cushion the effects of the rising cost of living on elderly retirees.
He further highlighted Kano State’s support for the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, including hosting the Union’s National Delegates Conference, describing the recognition accorded to the state by the union as an encouragement to continue implementing people-centred policies.
The Governor congratulated the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners on the successful completion of the Legacy House and expressed confidence that the facility would serve as a centre for unity, collaboration and sustainable support for pensioners across Nigeria.
Earlier, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress Comrade Joe Ajero commended the Governor for tenacity in supporting the Labour unions not only in Kano but across the country.
The leadership of the pensioners had unanimously endorsed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his second term bid in Kano due to his performance across all critical social sectors of the economy.