The Ogun State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Waidi Oloyede, has made a heartfelt appeal to Governor Dapo Abiodun for the implementation of a health relief initiative under the National Health Insurance scheme.

Oloyede is advocating for a 50 percent discount for retirees who subscribe to this scheme, emphasizing that such support would significantly alleviate the financial pressures faced by many elderly citizens grappling with various health issues related to aging.

During his address at the annual Pensioners' Day celebration in Abeokuta, Oloyede highlighted the pressing need for adjustments to pensions in the state.

He pointed out that while active workers have benefitted from wage increases and additional allowances since 2020, pensioners have seen no such relief. This stagnation occurs against a backdrop of rising economic challenges exacerbated by recent subsidy removals.

Oloyede expressed concern over the inadequacy of current pension payments, stating that they are insufficient to cover even basic necessities such as medication.

He urged the governor to prioritize a consequential increase in pensions, which he believes is crucial for improving the living standards of senior citizens.

In addition to these requests, Oloyede called for pensioners to be included in discussions regarding the new minimum wage negotiations. He believes that their involvement would ensure that their voices are heard and that their economic needs are adequately addressed.

While addressing these challenges, Oloyede commended Governor Abiodun for his efforts in addressing the backlog of unpaid pensions, noting that the governor has made significant strides by increasing quarterly releases for pension payments.