By Usman Usman Garba
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commissioned the Comrade Godwin Abumisi Pensioners’ Legacy House, the national headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Abuja, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of retired public servants.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, commended Governor Yusuf’s unwavering commitment to pension reforms.
He recalled that the Governor was honoured as the Most Pensioners-Friendly Governor of the Year 2024 in recognition of his exceptional support for retirees.
Abumisi particularly praised the Kano State Government for settling N32 billion of the N48.6 billion gratuity liabilities inherited by the present administration, describing the achievement as a major relief to thousands of pensioners and their families.
In his address, Governor Yusuf said the commissioning of the Legacy House was more than the inauguration of a building, describing it as a symbol of society’s appreciation for the sacrifices and years of dedicated service rendered by retired public servants.
He stressed that a pension is not a privilege but a legitimate entitlement earned through years of faithful service, adding that the true measure of a responsible government lies in how it treats those who have devoted their lives to public service.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s determination to clear the remaining gratuity backlog before the end of its tenure while sustaining the prompt and regular payment of monthly pensions.
He also recalled his administration’s decision to increase the minimum monthly pension in Kano State from N5,000 to N20,000 to cushion the impact of the rising cost of living on elderly retirees.
Governor Yusuf further highlighted Kano State’s support for the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, including hosting the Union’s National Delegates Conference.
He described the recognition accorded to the state by the Union as an encouragement to continue implementing people-centred policies.
He congratulated the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners on the successful completion of the Legacy House and expressed confidence that the facility would serve as a centre for unity, collaboration, and sustainable support for pensioners across Nigeria.
Earlier, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, commended Governor Yusuf for his steadfast support for labour unions, not only in Kano State but across the country.
The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners unanimously endorsed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for a second term, citing his outstanding performance across critical sectors and his commitment to the welfare of pensioners and the people of Kano State.
