The Head of Civil Service in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Elsie Peters, has called on pensioners in the state to make their health and social well-being a top priority, encouraging them to engage in activities that strengthen bonds with colleagues and family members.
Mrs. Peters gave the advice during a goodwill message at the 2025 National Pensioners’ Day celebration held in the state over the weekend.
She praised the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in the state for their tactful and constructive approach in negotiating improved welfare packages for retirees, noting that their efforts have helped enhance the economic stability of pensioners in the state.
“As you mark this special day, I urge you to give priority to your health and participate in activities that foster a sense of belonging with your colleagues and families,” she said, while also commending the union for its consistent support for the state government.
State Chairman of the NUP, Pastor Sylvester Nkodo, described the annual event as an opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices, contributions, and enduring commitment of pensioners to nation-building.
Nkodo lauded Governor Umo Eno for what he described as unprecedented concern for the welfare of senior citizens in Akwa Ibom.
He highlighted several initiatives by the governor, including the approval of N27,000 as pensioners’ minimum wage adjustment, the introduction of a N20,000 minimum pension for retirees who previously earned as little as N1,000 to N1,500 monthly, the release of N78 billion for the settlement of gratuities across all sectors, and the establishment of a free health insurance scheme for pensioners.
He, however, reminded members that the union still has pending demands and stressed the need for unity and collective action to achieve further improvements.
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“I deeply appreciate the unwavering commitment of Governor Umo Eno to the wellbeing of pensioners and retirees in the state. We are grateful for his continuous support and fatherly care,” Nkodo said.
Also speaking, the union’s Secretary, Cosmos Essien, said the gains currently enjoyed by pensioners were the result of tireless negotiations and sacrifices made by the present executive council.
He appealed to members to continue to cooperate with the union’s leadership in the pursuit of better welfare conditions.
Essien noted that improvements in pension packages have contributed to increased life expectancy among pensioners.
He warned that members who choose to disengage from the union risk losing out on future benefits arising from its collective struggles.
“What we are enjoying today is the product of persistent efforts by this executive, who worked tirelessly to achieve these results.
The governor has indeed performed commendably in caring for pensioners, a level of attention we did not witness under previous administrations,” he said.
