From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has allocated land for the construction of a permanent secretariat for the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Kaduna State Branch, as well as an additional parcel for urban agriculture.
The gesture, described as a major boost to the welfare and economic wellbeing of pensioners in the state, was formally presented to the union on Monday at the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS) by its Director-General, Dr. Bashir Garba Ibrahim.
The allocation followed a request made by the NUP Kaduna State Branch during a courtesy visit to KADGIS on August 5, when the pensioners appealed for land to enable them establish a permanent secretariat.
Presenting the offer, Dr. Ibrahim said the request came at an appropriate time, noting that Governor Uba Sani remained committed to the welfare of pensioners and responsive to their needs.
He explained that, in addition to the land allocated for the union’s permanent office, the government had also provided land for urban agriculture to enable pensioners engage in productive agricultural activities and explore alternative sources of livelihood.
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Receiving the offer, Chairman of the Kaduna State Pensioners Union, Mr. Aboman Ladan, expressed appreciation to Governor Uba Sani and the KADGIS management for the gesture.
Ladan said the pensioners had struggled for years to secure a permanent office and had been operating from a temporary structure.
He described Governor Uba Sani as a compassionate leader who, according to him, had given unprecedented attention to the welfare of pensioners.
The NUP chairman disclosed that out of about ₦30 billion in outstanding pension-related obligations, approximately ₦17 billion had so far been paid in pensions, gratuities and death benefits.
He described the development as unprecedented and assured the governor of the pensioners’ continued support.
Ladan also conveyed the union’s commitment to Governor Uba Sani ahead of the forthcoming election, declaring that “all pensioners are for the Governor.”
He further disclosed that the new permanent secretariat would, upon completion, be named after Governor Uba Sani in recognition of his contributions to the welfare of pensioners.
The development marks another step by the Kaduna State Government towards improving the welfare of senior citizens while creating opportunities for them to remain economically productive through access to permanent facilities and agricultural activities.