The Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the South-West has appealed to governors in the region to take urgent steps in addressing welfare concerns of pensioners and broader socioeconomic issues confronting their states.
Speaking at the association’s Annual General Meeting in Akure, Ondo State, the state president, Mrs. Grace Ajayi, lamented the growing hardships among retirees and citizens, stressing that the situation has eroded public confidence in governance.
“There is a waning faith in governance in Nigeria, occasioned by escalating poverty and challenges in the country,” Ajayi said.
“We appeal to all South-West governors to rejig the civil service, traditionally considered the engine room of governance, by eliminating dysfunctionality and restoring efficiency to meet the people’s needs.”
She emphasized the need for timely settlement of pensions, harmonisation of benefits, and comprehensive reform of the pension system. “Amid diminishing opportunities for retirees, the welfare of pensioners must be urgently addressed.
Many retirees struggle with economic hardships, and we demand prompt payment of entitlements, harmonisation of pension benefits, and indeed a systemic reform of the pension regime,” she added.
The association alsos urged regional cooperation in tackling common challenges such as unemployment, food insecurity, infrastructure deficit, and poor healthcare. Ajayi pointed to the South-West Security Network, Amotekun, as proof that regional unity can deliver results.
“Regional collaboration is sine qua non for development and transformation.
“The success of Amotekun proves what our region can achieve through unity. Let us replicate this model in transportation, education, healthcare, infrastructure, rural development, food security and unemployment,” she said.
Declaring the meeting open, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa, described the association as “noble and credible,” noting its members’ enduring influence in policy development across the South-West.
“Your members have undoubtedly played key roles in shaping government policies and programmes. Even though you have retired, you are not tired,” the governor stated, commending the association for its continued contributions to public service and development.
