Pensioners under the payroll of Enugu State government, on Wednesday paid a solidarity visit to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, in appreciation of his commitment to their welfare, in spite of the nation’s economic challenges.

The jubilant retirees, who described Gov. Ugwuanyi as “one of the foremost pensioner-friendly governor Enugu State has ever produced”, reassured him of their “absolute loyalty and support”.

In their address presented by the State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade Damian Udeani, the pensioners, who turned out in large numbers said that the governor has “continued to pay us pensions regularly”, which they noted “is vital for our existence”

They added that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration in keeping with its commitment to their wellbeing, had approved the release of N100 million every month for the payment of backlog of accumulated gratuities “most of which you inherited from past administrations”.

They equally noted and appreciated the governor for reconsidering a verification exercise for pensioners who did not participate in the programme in 2016, stating that “these and many other kind gestures were why we gave Your Excellency an ‘Award of Excellence’ last December”.

Commending Gov. Ugwuanyi for entrenching peace, security and good governance in the state, the retirees said: “We shall not forget to mention that since you came on board, Enugu State has become the toast of people from other states. They regard Enugu as the most comfortable state among the Eastern states. People outside our state now spend their vacation in Enugu State. This is due to your good governance”.

Reminding the governor of the outstanding challenges some of them were facing, especially those under the payroll of the Local Government administration, the pensioner expressed optimism that the governor in his magnanimity, concern and commitment to their wellbeing would soon address them, accordingly.

“Your Excellency, we are the fathers and mothers of a large percentage of families in Enugu State and we assure you that our sons and daughters are equally strongly supportive of you and your government”, the excited pensioners declared.

In a brief remark, the Executive Secretary, Local Government Pensions Board, Hon. Nana Ogbodo, applauded the visit by the pensioners, disclosing that it was a demonstration of peace, security, good governance and commitment to the wellbeing of the pensioners in the state.

His words: “We are here to felicitate with a man who has given succor not only to the pensioners but has positively touched Enugu State in many ways, even in the face of scarcity. There is indeed no part of Enugu State that you go today you will not find Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s imprint staring you in the face.

“If you don’t see him from the roads he has constructed, you will see him from the peace we are enjoying in Enugu State or you will see him in the regularity of salaries and pensions he has paid”.

In his response, Gov. Ugwuanyi thanked the retirees for their solidarity visit, goodwill, unceasing prayers and support, reassuring the pensioners of his resolve to continue to serve them with the fear of God and also passionately cater for their needs.

Photos from the gathering: