Pensioners Endorse Gov. Yusuf for Second Term as He Commissions NUP National Headquarters, Donates ₦100 Million
Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commissioned the Comrade Godwin Abumisi Pensioners’ Legacy House, the corporate headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), in Abuja, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of retired public servants and announced a ₦100 million donation to the union.
According to a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the event also witnessed the unanimous endorsement of Governor Yusuf by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners for a second term in office, citing his outstanding performance and unwavering commitment to the welfare of retirees.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, commended Governor Yusuf’s pension reforms and recalled that he was honoured as the Most Pensioners-Friendly Governor of the Year 2024 in recognition of his exceptional support for pensioners.
Abumisi particularly applauded the Kano State Government for settling ₦32 billion out of the ₦48.6 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 represented more than the opening of a building, describing it as a symbol of the nation’s appreciation for the sacrifices and years of dedicated service rendered by retired public servants.
He stressed that pensions are earned entitlements and not privileges, adding that the true measure of any responsible government lies in how it treats those who devoted their lives to public service.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s determination to clear the remaining pension backlog before the end of its tenure while sustaining the prompt and regular payment of monthly pensions across the state.
He also highlighted the increase in the minimum pension in Kano State from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000, explaining that the measure was introduced to cushion the impact of the rising cost of living on elderly retirees.
The governor further noted that Kano State had consistently supported the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, including hosting its National Delegates Conference, describing the union’s recognition of the state as an encouragement to continue implementing people-centred policies.
Governor Yusuf congratulated the national leadership of the union on the successful completion of the Legacy House and expressed confidence that the facility would serve as a centre for unity, collaboration and sustained support for pensioners nationwide.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, commended Governor Yusuf for his steadfast support for organised labour in Kano State and across the country.
The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners thereafter unanimously endorsed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for a second term, citing his performance across critical sectors and his commitment to improving the welfare of pensioners and workers.