By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has allocated land to the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Kaduna State Branch, for the construction of a permanent secretariat and an additional parcel for urban agriculture, as part of efforts to improve the welfare and economic wellbeing of retirees in the state.
The offers were formally presented to the union on Monday at the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS) by its Director-General, Dr. Bashir Garba Ibrahim.
The allocation followed a request made by the pensioners during a courtesy visit to KADGIS on August 5, when the union appealed for government assistance in securing a permanent location for its secretariat.
Presenting the documents, Dr. Ibrahim said the request was timely, stressing that Governor Uba Sani’s administration remained committed to addressing issues affecting pensioners and other senior citizens.
He said the second parcel, designated for urban agriculture, would provide pensioners with an opportunity to engage in productive farming activities while creating additional sources of income and livelihood.
Receiving the offers, NUP Kaduna State Chairman, Mr. Aboman Ladan, expressed appreciation to Governor Sani and the KADGIS management, describing the gesture as a significant milestone for the union.
Ladan said the pensioners had operated from a temporary facility for years despite repeated efforts to secure a permanent secretariat.
He also commended the governor for what he described as unprecedented attention to pensioners’ welfare, particularly through the payment of outstanding pensions, gratuities and death benefits.
According to him, about N17 billion out of an estimated N30 billion in outstanding pension-related obligations has so far been paid by the state government.
The NUP chairman described the development as a major relief to retirees and their families, noting that the payments had restored hope among pensioners across the state.
Ladan assured Governor Sani of the union’s continued support, saying pensioners remained appreciative of the administration’s interventions in their welfare.
He further disclosed that the union had resolved to name its proposed permanent secretariat after Governor Uba Sani when completed, in recognition of his contributions to the welfare of pensioners.
The development is expected to provide the NUP with a permanent institutional base while the agricultural allocation could enable members to remain economically active and productive after retirement.
The initiative underscores the Kaduna State Government’s broader emphasis on pensioners’ welfare, access to permanent facilities and opportunities for senior citizens to participate in productive economic activities.
