The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on pensioners in Akwa Ibom State to leverage their public service experience to support government policies and contribute meaningfully to governance.
The State Director of NOA, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, made the appeal on Tuesday in Uyo during the inauguration of an 11-member executive committee of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) sector.
Represented by a director in the agency, Mr. Udeme Peter, Mkpoutom said the NOA would carry out sensitisation campaigns across all 31 local government areas to encourage retired government workers to affiliate with the union.
He urged the newly inaugurated leadership to be transparent, accountable, and focused on improving the welfare of their members.
“As retired leaders from various ministries, departments and agencies, you must lead by example. Your conduct should inspire confidence in those still in service to join the union upon retirement,” he said.
He commended the pensioners for their proactive stance towards improving their livelihoods and supporting national development.
In his remarks, the National Chairman of the union, Mr. Sylva Nwaiwu, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the recent increment in pensioners’ stipends. He, however, called for speedy implementation of the payment and pledged effective representation of members in the ongoing pension reform efforts.
Also speaking, chairman of the occasion and retired labour leader, Mr. Akamba Awah, advised the new executive to adopt a civil and constructive approach when advocating for improved conditions for members.
Awah praised the group for forming a strong and united front for the welfare and wellbeing of pensioners in the state.
