The Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Post Service Board, Hon. Adekunle Tunji Rafiu, has commended the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde for its commitment to pension reforms, following the state’s emergence as the Third Most Improved State in the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) at the 2026 National Pension Commission (PenCom) Summit and Awards in Abuja.

Hon. Rafiu described the recognition as an encouragement to sustain ongoing reforms and strengthen institutional mechanisms for effective pension administration, noting that the achievement reflects the State Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of workers and retirees. He assured that the Board would intensify efforts towards improving CPS implementation through effective coordination, increased enrolment and sustained engagement with Pension Fund Administrators to ensure a more efficient and sustainable pension system in the State.

The award was presented on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the summit themed “Pension for All: Building a Secure Future Together.” Governor Seyi Makinde was represented by the Head of Service, Dr. Adenike Fasina, mni, who received the award on behalf of the State. The Oyo State delegation included the Head of Service, Oyo state Civil Service, Dr Adenike Fasina mni,  the Chairman of the Local Government Pension Board, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige; Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Post Service Board, Engr. Raheemat Abisola Adabanija, FNSE; Permanent Secretary, Policy and Strategy, Rev. Adesola; and Permanent Secretary, Career Management, Mr. Osungbekun.

Speaking at the summit, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to pension security and retirees’ welfare. He described pension benefits as entitlements earned through years of service and stressed the need for prompt remittance of pension contributions by employers, while urging Pension Fund Administrators to prioritise contributors’ interests and safeguard their retirement savings.

In her keynote address, the Director-General of PenCom, Ms. Omolola Bridget Oloworaran, called for a more inclusive and responsive pension system capable of guaranteeing financial security and dignity in retirement. She emphasised the need to strengthen pension administration, promote sustainable savings and retirement planning, embrace digital transformation and adopt international best practices, citing the pension systems of Chile and Australia as useful examples. The summit also highlighted timely remittance of contributions, improved protection of pension funds, efficient administration of retirement benefits and expanded pension coverage as critical to building a sustainable pension system in Nigeria.

The summit, which formed part of the maiden National Pension Week, brought together Government officials, pension regulators and other industry stakeholders to deliberate on the future of pension administration in Nigeria. The discussions reinforced the position that pension goes beyond salary deductions, representing a collective commitment to workers’ future and the assurance of financial security and dignity in retirement.

The Chairman of the Oyo State Pension Board, Hon. Tunji Rafiu Adekunle, has extended warm Christmas and New Year greetings to pensioners, staff of the Board and the good people of Oyo State, urging them to embrace the season with gratitude, peace and renewed hope.

Hon. Adekunle described Christmas as a season of love, sacrifice and unity, calling on citizens to reflect on values that foster harmony and collective progress in the state. He noted that the festive period offers an opportunity to appreciate God’s grace and strengthen bonds among families and communities.

“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and prepare to welcome the New Year, I sincerely appreciate our esteemed pensioners for their patience, understanding and continued support,” he said. “I also commend the dedication and professionalism of the staff of the Oyo State Pension Board in ensuring effective service delivery throughout the year.”

The Chairman reassured pensioners of the Board’s unwavering commitment to their welfare, stressing that the administration of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, remains resolute in improving the well-being of retirees and ensuring prompt and transparent pension administration.

Looking ahead to the New Year, Hon. Adekunle expressed optimism that 2025 would usher in greater opportunities, improved policies and enhanced service delivery for pensioners across the state.

He concluded by wishing everyone a joyous Christmas celebration and a peaceful, prosperous and fulfilling New Year.

“May the New Year bring good health, happiness and renewed hope to every household in Oyo State,” he added.

Showers of encomium were given to the Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board , Alhaji Lukman Akinola Muraina as he celebrated 60th birthday and meritorious retirement from the active service of the state.

In her goodwill message at the programme held at Western Hall, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan , the state Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni mni described Alhaji Lukman Akinola Muraina as an intelligent and hardworking person who transformed Local Government Staff Pension Board during his tenure and therefore urged workers of the Board to sustain his legacy.

Also, the Chairman of the Board, Hon Akeem Ademola Ige eulogized the celebrant and described him as a strict administrator who did not condone any act of indiscipline. Ige said the success recorded so far in the Board was due to the immense contributions of the celebrant and therefore urged him to continue to contribute his quota to the development of the state as a whole.

In their various goodwill messages, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Kazeem Adeyinka ( Bibire) who is also the Chairman of the occasion, Hon representing Lagelu state constituency, and the Chairman , House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Olajide Akintunde (AKT) who spoke on behalf of the House of Assembly , ALGON Chairman, Hon Sikiru Sanda Oyedele (Lajuee) , State Secretary, Nigeria Union of Pensioners ( NUP) Oyo State Council, Comrade Dr Olusegun Abatan and a host of others acknowledged the sterling qualities of the celebrant and prayed for long life in good health and prosperity.

Other dignitaries that spoke glowingly about the celebrant at the occasion include Commissioner for Lands , Housing and Urban Development , Hon Akin Funmilayo, Hon Commissioner for Establishment and Training Professor Saliu Adelabu congratulated Muraina for his birthday celebration and retirement from active service..

The celebrant them appreciated all the invited guests for gracing the occasion despite their tight schedules.

Top government officials, politicians , family, friends and well wishers from far and near were present at the birthday and retirement programme in which cutting of the birthday cake and presentation of gifts also took place at the occasion.

E-Signed
Banke Adeyemo
DESS

The Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board, Hon Akeem Ademola Ige has charged members of staff of the Board to be more dedicated and committed to their duties.

Hon Ige gave the charge today while addressing the staff of the Board during the November General Coordination meeting held at the Mini Hall, Local Government Staff Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan.

He thanked management and entire members of staff for their support and cooperation when retired Permanent Secretary Alhaji Lukman Akinola Muraina was still in active service and then enjoined them to build on legacy of discipline, diligence and team work as inculcated in them by the immediate past Permanent Secretary.

According to the Chairman, “i want to admonish you all to continue to discharge your duties effectively, efficiently, be dedicated, hardworking and I promise you that you will continue to be adequately motivated and rewarded. Also, I want to encourage you to come up with ideas and opinions that will bring more improvement to this Board ” .

“You must always be patient with pensioners, treat them like your families and conduct yourself in proper manner when handling issues with pensioners. Engage them positively ” Hon Ige said.

In his remarks, the Director of Administration and General Services, Mr Kehinde Fasola assured the Chairman of continued support and cooperation to ensure the Board moves forward.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees ( NULGE) , LGSPB chapter, Comrade Ademola Adedokun who also responded on behalf of staff appreciated Hon Akeem Ademola Ige for being “a talk and do chairman” and promised that workers will always support the management of the Board in order to achieve success in all ramifications.

Series of issues raised by members of staff were addressed at the meeting.

Earlier, the chairman had held a crucial meeting with the management in order to reflect on the activities of the Board to improve service delivery in relation to retirees, staff and government. He advised them to build more on professionalism, team work, innovation discipline and join hands with him to prioritize staff and build good relationship with pensioners.

November birthday celebrants were then celebrated and special prayers were offered after which photographs were taken.

E-Signed
Banke Adeyemo
DESS
LGSPB

The Chairman of the Oyo State Pension Board, Hon. Tunji Rafiu Adekunle, has extended warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to all Muslim pensioners across the State on the joyous occasion of Eid ul-Adha.

In a goodwill message released today, Hon. Adekunle praised the resilience, faith, and enduring contributions of retired civil servants, particularly the Muslim faithful, as they mark this sacred festival of sacrifice and devotion.

“This season reminds us of the values of obedience, sacrifice, and unity,” he said. “Our Muslim pensioners have served our State with dignity, and it is only fitting that we celebrate with them in this moment of spiritual significance. Eid Mubarak to you all.”

He further urged pensioners to continue to uphold the values of peace and prayer, especially for the continued progress and prosperity of Oyo State. Hon. Adekunle specifically called on the retirees to remember the current administration, led by His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, in their prayers.

“As we celebrate, I kindly urge our revered pensioners to continue to pray for Governor Seyi Makinde and his administration,” Hon. Adekunle stated. “The Governor remains committed to the welfare of pensioners and all citizens, and your prayers are vital for the strength and wisdom required to sustain good governance.”

He concluded by reaffirming the Board’s dedication to improving the welfare and prompt payment of entitlements to all pensioners in the State.

The Oyo State Government has paid over Twenty Three Billion Naira ( #23b) as gratuity and death benefits to retired public primary school teachers and local Government staff retirees since May 2019 till date .

This was disclosed by the Chairman, Oyo State Local Government  Staff Pension Board,  Hon Akeem Ademola Ige  during the flag -off ceremony of the payment of gratuity to  retirees and death benefits to next of kins of deceased retirees for the months of February and March 2025.

While delivering his keynote address, Hon Akeem Ademola Ige said the present administrator under the leadership of the pensioners friendly governor, His Excellency, Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde inherited backlog of over Thirty Six Billion Naira ( #36b) from previous administrations out of which over Twenty Three Billion Naira ( #23b) has been paid to pensioners.

The Chairman further explained that the Governor approved a sum of One Billion , One Hundred  Million Naira ( #1.1b) for  disbursement  for the months of  February  and March 2025 to Two Hundred and Fifty One beneficiaries ( 251). He then used the medium to highlight some of the achievements of the present Government in terms of pensioners’ welfare. He also used the occasion to give kudos to the Governor for being pensioners friendly.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Staff Pension Board, Alhaji Lukman Akinola Muraina said the Governor has been consistent in making life more meaningful for pensioners in the pacesetter State.

In their separate goodwill messages,  the Chairmen retired primary school teachers and local Government staff retirees, Com Dosu Akinpelu and Com Muniru Adesope respectively, commended Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde for his commitment to pensioners welfare since he assumed office in 2019.

On behalf of all the beneficiaries, Mrs Ayandeyi Yinka Christiana and  Mr Akintayo Samuel expressed gratitude to Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde led Government for the kind gesture.

Dignitaries that graced the occasion include Permanent Secretaries Ibadan zone 1 Pastor Adeola Oduola, Ibadan zone 2  Mr Olufemi Akinwale, Oke Ogun I Mr Alani Bamgbose, Nigeria Union of Pensioners State Executives, branch NUP branch chairmen and LGSPB Directors .

E-Signed

Banke Adeyemo

DESS

LGSPB