ADC’s Bejide pledges pension reform, prompt gratuity payments if elected Ekiti governor

By Boye Oyeyemi

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Ekiti State, Dare Bejide, has promised to introduce sweeping pension reforms aimed at ensuring prompt payment of pensions and gratuities if elected.

Bejide made the pledge during an interactive session with members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ekiti State Council, in Ado Ekiti, where he unveiled parts of his governance agenda for retirees.

The former Nigerian high commissioner to Canada said pensioners had endured years of hardship and deserved a system that guarantees regular payment of their entitlements without political interference.

According to him, pensions and gratuities are earned benefits rather than acts of charity, stressing that retired workers should not be subjected to prolonged delays before receiving what is due to them.

Drawing from his experience in Canada, Bejide said advanced welfare programmes for senior citizens had shown that governments could provide financial security and dignity for retirees through deliberate planning and effective policies.

He expressed confidence that Ekiti could replicate similar standards, adding that his administration would prioritise the welfare of pensioners and establish a more reliable social support structure.

The ADC candidate recalled that during his tenure as secretary to the State Government, outstanding gratuities, including liabilities inherited from the old Ondo State, were settled despite limited monthly allocations to the state.

Bejide assured pensioners that his government would implement a transparent payment system based on accountability and fairness, promising that pensions and gratuities would be paid regularly and in line with a first-come, first-served arrangement to eliminate favouritism.