ADC candidate Bejide promises pension reform for Ekiti retiree

The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Dare Bejide, has promised to implement a comprehensive pension reform agenda modelled after the Canadian welfare framework for retirees in the state.

Bejide, a former Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, assured pensioners that if elected, he would “bring to an end the prolonged hardship faced by pensioners through prompt payment of pensions and gratuities, institutional reforms and the adoption of a structured welfare model inspired by international best practices.”

The ADC candidate spoke in Ado Ekiti on Monday during an engagement with the leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ekiti State Council, where he presented his governance vision, highlighted his public service record, and outlined measures aimed at restoring dignity to retired civil servants.

He stressed that pension and gratuity payments were constitutional entitlements that must not be subjected to political discretion.

The former Secretary to the Ekiti State Government said, “Pension and gratuity are what our fathers and mothers laboured for throughout their years of service. They should never be reduced to the status of charity. These are earned benefits and must be paid promptly and consistently as a matter of obligation.”

Drawing from his experience as an ambassador, Bejide referenced Canada’s retirement support structure, including the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement, which he said collectively provide financial protection and dignity for senior citizens.

The former diplomat said, “In Canada, the government deliberately plans for the welfare of its elderly population, regardless of their economic circumstances. That is the true meaning of a society that respects its senior citizens.”

My exposure abroad has convinced me that Ekiti can do much better. We must build a system where pensioners are honoured, paid promptly and never forced to wait for 10 or 15 years before receiving what rightfully belongs to them,” he said.

He added, “During my service as SSG, we settled the backlog of gratuities owed to Ekiti pensioners, including liabilities dating back to the old Ondo State period.

“We accomplished that feat despite receiving less than N3bn monthly allocation at the time. More importantly, it did not hinder the execution of other developmental projects, many of which remain visible and verifiable today,” he said.

Reaffirming his commitment to retirees, the ADC candidate assured pensioners that his administration would establish a transparent and equitable payment system anchored on accountability and fairness.

He said, “Before the end of this year, if elected, Ekiti people will begin to experience a new order. Pension payments will be regular, transparent and guided by a strict first-in, first-out principle to eliminate favouritism and ensure justice for all retirees.”