By Ola Kay
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved the payment of a 13th-month pension bonus to all pensioners in the State, as well as a N10,000 one-time welfare support for November, 2026.
He stated this during the presentation of a Merit Award by the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, who also endorsed him for re-election in 2027.
Eno expressed joy by the pensioners demonstration of gratitude and sense of organisation, while assuring that the Government under his leadership will continue to prioritize the welfare of pensioners and elderly citizens in the Akwa Ibom.
Appreciating the pensioners, the governor described his impression of their gestures as humbling, which also demonstrated indicated that the senior citizens are truly technocrats.
“I am now directing that N10,000 be added to the November 2026 pension payment of every pensioner in support of your welfare,” he said.
He challenged them to also make efforts to enroll in the State’s health insurance programme, which is free and targeted persons of about 65-year-olds and above, noting that the scheme would enable them take advantage of available quality healthcare across the state.
He restated his promise to pay off the backlog of gratuities in the state, revealing that N100 billion has so far been paid, from the accumulated N111 billion, assuring that before the end of his first term, the balance will be cleared.
He seized the opportunity to acknowledge efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making funds available to the sub-nationals, which particularly has made it possible for him to redeem his promise of clearing the arrears of gratuity.
The State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Pastor Sylvester Nkodo, in his address thanked the governor Eno for demonstrating what he regarded as compassionate and impactful leadership, describing his commitment to the welfare of the elderly and retired public servants as heartwarming and unprecedented.
And, following a motion moved and seconded by Comrade James Inim and Dr. Mrs. Uduak Udoaka, respectively, the pensioners unanimously endorsed President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno and other candidates of the APC for re-election in 2027.
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