Adebayo Adenrele
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Godwin Abumisi, on Tuesday inaugurated newly elected executives to lead the Union in Ekiti State for the next four years.
The election and swearing-in ceremony, held in Ado-Ekiti, followed an earlier postponement on May 5, over the Union’s inability to secure security clearance from the state government.
Adetola Popoola, who previously served as the caretaker chairman of Ekiti NUP, was unanimously elected after two other candidates voluntarily stepped down.
Speaking with journalists after the event, Abumisi reaffirmed that the newly elected state executives are the only leadership structure recognized by the National Executive Council of the NUP.
Abumisi, represented by the Union’s National Deputy President, Usman Abdullahi urged the new leadership to foster unity, carry along all members including the aggrieved fraction and work harmoniously with the Ekiti State Government, led by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
His words, “We have successfully conducted the election and as you can see, these are the executives duly recognized by the National Executive Council of NUP.
“This Union is the umbrella body that other unions retire into. I urge the executives to cooperate, carry every member along, and remain loyal to the government of the day under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji”.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman, Popoola, pledged to prioritize the welfare of pensioners and disclosed that the state government has assured the Union of its commitment to pay outstanding gratuities.
“NUP members in Ekiti should expect the best from our administration. The present government is fully behind us. With the governor’s promise, gratuities will be paid and by God’s grace, we will achieve success over the next four years,” he stated.
The Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ekiti State Chapter, Israel Taiwo also urged the new executives to build a productive and united union through engagement and effective social welfare programs.
Other executive members are: Olebe Pius as Vice Chairman, Emmanuel Bamisile as Treasurer , Adeniyi Olugbenga & Stephen Olawunmi as Trustees and Joseph Ajayi as Auditor.
Ex-Officio members include Lucas Ogunleye, Stephen Olukayode, Adetunji Adetukasi, Bade Gboyega, Florence Adebayo, Bayo Olowokere and Sunday Akinyemi.
