Metro
OGUN APPROVES ADDITIONAL PENSION BENEFIT FOR RETIREES
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The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of workers and retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) with the approval of an Additional Pension Benefit (APB) designed to enhance retirement security and significantly close the existing gaps in the scheme.
This was made known during a meeting chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, following a series of strategic engagements between the State Government, representatives of labour unions, Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), and members of the Pension Fund Management Committees to address concerns surrounding the implementation of the CPS and strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders.
In his remarks, the Commissioner emphasised that compliance with the CPS law was not only mandatory but also beneficial to both employees and the State. He explained that the Defined Pension Scheme (DPS) and the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) were fundamentally different, adding that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration was committed to bridging any identified gaps in order to protect workers’ interests.
He disclosed that Governor Dapo Abiodun, had approved the introduction of the Additional Pension Benefit (APB) in line with extant laws. According to him, the APB was specifically designed to close the gap between the CPS and the old Defined Pension Scheme, particularly in relation to gratuity, which was not provided for under the CPS.
Mr. Okubadejo further explained that lump sum withdrawals which often resulted in reduced monthly pension payments, informed the Government decision to develop a more sustainable structure, saying that with the introduction of the APB, Government intended to seek necessary approvals from the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) to ensure that pension contributions held by PFAs were preserved primarily for enhanced monthly payments, while the APB would serve as a one-off payment upon retirement.
“Unlike gratuity under the DPS, the APB would not be a fixed percentage. Instead, it will be computed based on specific criteria, including years of service and gross emoluments, to ensure fairness and equity among retirees. The benefit is scheduled to take effect from July 2026,” he said.
The Commissioner charged the Ministries involved in pension, PFAs, Labour unions to improve service delivery, intensify public enlightenment campaigns, and organize regular pre-retirement training sessions for workers at least six months before retirement to enhance their understanding of the pension scheme.
In their opening remarks, Permanent Secretaries of the State and Local Government Pension Offices, Mrs. Arinola Adetayo and Engr. Olufisan Osiyale, explained that the engagements were convened to deepen relationships, resolve emerging challenges and ensure seamless access to retirement benefits.
They described the CPS as a tripod, resting on three critical stakeholders, the employer, the employee and the Pension Fund Administrators, stressing that effective synergy among them was essential for the success of the scheme.
Noting further, the Permanent Secretaries said that government had consistently demonstrated goodwill in addressing workers’ concerns, ensuring that retirees do not face uncertainty or financial hardship after years of service.
Responding on behalf of the Labour Unions, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ogun State Council, Mr. Ademola Benco and Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Akeem Lasisi, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for what they described as a bold, thoughtful and worker-friendly initiative.
They noted that labour’s longstanding concern had been the sustainability and adequacy of monthly pension payments under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), but expressed satisfaction that the introduction of the Additional Pension Benefit (APB) had effectively addressed those fears.
Describing the initiative as innovative and unprecedented, the labour leaders affirmed their full support for the reform and the proposed structure for retirement benefits, adding that it reflected the administration’s commitment to the welfare and financial security of workers in the State.
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The 2026 edition of the annual Ramadan Tafsir, hosted by Yomi Ogunsanu, Publisher of Great Achiever Magazine, has been held.
The Ramadan Tafsir took place on Saturday, 21st February 2026, at the hometown of the publisher, Ago-Iwoye, which had in attendance Muslim faithful across Ago-Iwoye, and was officiated by Imam Akorede Badru of Igan Itun Nla Mosque.
Alhaji Badru, in his sermon, congratulated Muslims throughout the world for witnessing another Ramadan, noting that it is a period to seek Allah’s forgiveness and earn increased rewards through acts of worship such as supplication, prayer and charity.
He further stated that Ramadan, being a month of fasting, worship, communal gathering and service, is one of the five pillars of Islam, and therefore should be observed with piety.
Alhaji Badru urged Muslim faithful to use the opportunity of this year’s Ramadan to pray for Nigeria so that peace and progress will reign in the country.
The cleric commended Yomi Ogunsanu for holding forth in the family after the demise of his father, Alhaji S.O Ogunsanu, a respected community and Islamic leader in Ago-Iwoye, who died twenty years ago.
Alhaji Badru disclosed that during his lifetime, Alhaji S.O Ogunsanu contributed immensely to the growth of Islam in Ago-Iwoye, while his footprints remain indelible at Igan Itun Nla Mosque, where he championed development projects.
He therefore challenged Yomi Ogunsanu and his siblings to continue in the footsteps of their late father who lived a life of service to humanity.
Mufassir Ismail Bello, in a lecture delivered on the occasion, titled: UNITY: The cornerstone of Islam as a religion, why disunity among Muslims? emphasised the need for Muslim faithful to be more united, noting that Islam is a religion of peace, and therefore, disunity should not have a place among its adherents.
Mufassir Bello decried factionalisation in Islam, saying that the practice of Islam as a religion is universal.
Bello said: “Muslims across the world observe the mandatory five times daily prayer, and during each prayer session, respective rakats are the same everywhere, which shows that Islam is one”.
Bello blamed seeming misunderstandings among some Islamic leaders and adherents on misinformation and misinterpretation of the holy Quran, and therefore called on Islamic leaders to continue to seek more knowledge to lead their followers aright.
Mufassir Bello enjoined Muslim faithful to be conscious of their culture in the practice of Islam.
Several verses of the holy Quran were read, followed by their interpretations to enlighten the people in attendance. Prayers were offered to conclude the lecture.
Metro
Segun Showunmi’s Installation as Odofin Keesi Follows His Developmental Contributions to Society — Apena
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The Apena of Keesi and Baagbimo of Egbaland, High Chief Akanni Israel, has attributed the installation of the Convener of the Alternative Movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, as the Odofin of Keesi to his developmental strides, notable contributions to societal growth, and impactful leadership in Keesi and Egbaland.
Chief Israel stated that the Odofin chieftaincy title is the second-highest ranking authority within the traditional leadership structure of Keesi land.
The Apena and Baagbimo made this known after performing the required traditional rites for the installation of Showunmi at the Ile Ogboni, Keesi.
He further explained that the Odofin title is a township chieftaincy reserved exclusively for members of the Akinroku family, from which Showunmi hails.
According to Chief Israel, Showunmi was found worthy of the Odofin title due to his immense contributions to growth, socio-economic development, and his record of impactful leadership in Keesi and Ogun State at large.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the conferment, the new Odofin of Keesi, Chief Segun Showunmi, expressed his appreciation to the elders and traditional rulers of Keesi and Egbaland for the honour bestowed on him.
He described the title as not merely ceremonial, but a call to greater service and responsibility, pledging not to rest on his oars in contributing to grassroots development and the strengthening of democracy from top to bottom.
“If you are asked to transform a state and given the opportunity to start from your immediate community, why not begin there?” he said. “By transforming your area, you give people a clear picture of what it truly means to transform a state and, ultimately, the country.”
Showunmi further highlighted Keesi’s historical significance, noting that the town was the first in Egbaland to have a grammar school, a clinic, and a town hall.
“We know who we are in Keesi,” he added. “By the grace of God, we will continue to build on our legacy. We will bring more to the table by mobilising all sons and daughters of Keesi and getting them actively involved in the development of our township.”
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…Convener vows massive grassroots mobilisation for APC in 2027 general elections; commends members for dedication, steadfastness and commitment.
The Ogun State-based political movement, Omoluabi, led by its Convener, Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde on Sunday paid a courtesy visit to the revered royal icon of Yorubaland, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at his palace in Ile-Ife.
The visit was aimed at receiving royal blessings and guidance as the group prepares for the 2027 general elections. During the visit, the movement also unveiled 26 newly acquired buses to strengthen its political mobilization efforts across Ogun State.
The delegation, which included selected executive members, local government coordinators, and the State Coordinator, Hon. Olusegun Kaka, was warmly received by the monarch.
Speaking during the visit, Akintunde described the Ooni as a father figure whose leadership and character inspired the name “Omoluabi.” He noted that seeking the monarch’s blessings was a significant step in the movement’s journey toward the next political phase in Ogun State and nation at large.
“We visited our royal father whose his character has demonstrated Omoluabi in all spheres of humanity. He was part of the idea when we started, Ooni is a father to us all, therefore moving into political journey, it’s important for us to seek for his royal blessings.
“This journey we have embarked upon is aimed at supporting the second-term aspiration of our party’s national leader and President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his re-election bid. We are equally committed to supporting all our party’s candidates in Ogun State following the primaries.
“We are prepared to mobilize massively across the length and breadth of the state. The second-term race of our dear President, Asiwaju, remains our primary assignment, followed by unwavering support for all candidates who emerge in the forthcoming elections, just as we did prior to the 2023 general elections.
“This is a begining exercise for us all in the Omoluabi Political Movement in Ogun State, I appreciate our members, coordinators both the state and local governments levels, their unwavering commitment is top notch, may we continue to grow in strength and as we prepare towards the coming elections in Ogun State” – Akintunde said.
In the same vein, the State Coordinator, Hon. Olusegun Kaka, commended the convener’s vision, commitment and dedication, emphasizing that the newly branded buses would enhance grassroots mobilization and facilitate participation in the forthcoming national convention in Abuja.
In his remarks, the monarch, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, expressed joy at receiving the group and offered prayers for continued growth, unity and success in their future endeavours.
The political movement, Omoluabi has continued to distinguish itself as a fast-growing, grassroots-driven political platform committed to leadership development, community engagement and progressive governance in Ogun State.
With a strong presence across local governments and a clear mobilization structure, the group has positioned itself as a formidable force dedicated to empowering citizens and fostering inclusive political participation.
Under the leadership of Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde, Omoluabi has demonstrated resilience, strategic organization and a people-centred vision aimed at sustainable development and democratic advancement.
The unveiling of the 26 buses further reflects the movement’s readiness, coordination and commitment to structured political engagement as it steadily builds momentum toward 2027.
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