Kogi State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners has urged the State Government to as a matter of priority look into the plight of Pensioners in the State especially that of Local Government retirees.

State Chairman of the Union, Comrade Clement Ohida made the call in Lokoja on the occasion of the National Pensioners Day.

Comrade Ohida said the call became imperative in view of the deplorable situation of Local Government Pensioners which include, Local Government retirees, retired primary school teachers and medical and health workers and the need to address thier plight.

According to him, other issues of concern at the Local Government level also include; continuous payment of percentage pension, non payment of gratuity since the inception of this administration among others.

The NUP Boss described the development as unfortunate as all efforts so far to address the situation has proved abortive hence the need for the intervention of relevant stakeholders with the Governor to put smiles on the faces of the Senior citizens.

He commended Governor Yahaya Bello for the payment of monthly pension to State retirees as well as the release of One hundred Million Naira for part payment of gratuity.

Earlier in an address, the National President of the Union, Comrade Godwin Abumisi who spoke on the theme; “Enhancement of Pensioners Welfare through Information and Communication Technology” said the major challenge of the Union is with State Governments who have relegated the welfare of Pensioners to the background without due regard to their entitlement.

Also in a message to the Occasion, Kogi State Head of Civil Service, Mrs Hannah Odiyo said the State Government would look into the issues raised by the Union with a view to make retirement more productive and enduring for the Senior citizens.

Speaking, the Director General of the State Pension Commission, Mrs Maryam Abedoh said her office would soon be digitized to address challenges of missing documents and to ascertain the indebtedness of the government to the Pensioners in Kogi State.

Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Onuh Edoka who caution against paying lips service to the welfare of Pensioners by relevant authority, demanded for the implementation of the minimum wage as well as consequential adjustment of the Pensioners in the State