Akure — The just concluded statewide pension verification exercise in Ondo State has drawn mixed reactions, as frail retirees lament the stress of long queues and inadequate facilities, while stakeholders insist the process remains vital for accurate record keeping.
When Roving Reporters visited the verification centre at Mega School, Hospital Road in Akure, the state capital, it was observed that some pensioners arrived sick and had to be assisted by their children, while others struggled to walk unaided.
Though chairs were provided, they were not enough for the large crowd. Many pensioners were seen writing on the bare floor, while some used the booths of parked cars as makeshift desks.
Several retirees expressed their frustrations, insisting that modern technology should replace the tedious physical process.
“We are not against verification,” one elderly pensioner said, “but why should old people like us be kept standing and writing under the sun? Technology can do all this without stress.”
Another retiree, Madam Adeola, noted:
“Most of us can hardly walk. If the government can use BVN or biometrics through our banks, it will save us this stress. We served the state for decades; we deserve better treatment.”
Stakeholders Speak
In an interview, Dr. Victor Kolawole, Chairman of the pensioners in Akure South described the exercise as a success so far, but admitted that it comes with challenges.
“So far, so good, the process is successful. We arranged for those who are sick and weak by attending to them separately,” he said.
“But considering their age, complaints are inevitable. They complain about the forms, about the waiting, about almost everything. It is part of what we face in this type of exercise.”
Dr. Kolawole, however, stressed the need for innovation going forward:
“There is no doubt that we must determine the actual number of living pensioners, so that government resources are not wasted on ghost names. But I strongly believe technology can make this process easier. In future, biometric data, digital platforms, or even bank-based verification could save our senior citizens from unnecessary stress.”
Government’s Position
The Ondo State Pension Transitional Department had earlier announced that the exercise was designed to clean up pension records and eliminate ghost pensioners, thereby ensuring prompt and accurate payment of entitlements.
In a statement by its Permanent Secretary, Chief Bunmi Alade, the department insisted that all pensioners must appear in person with documents such as retirement approval letters, BVN, identity cards, and payment vouchers.
He maintained that proxies would not be accepted, though special provisions were being made at centres to assist frail pensioners.
Call for Reform
Civil society groups, NGOs, and pensioners’ advocates argue that while the government’s goals are legitimate, the manual method is outdated and demeaning. They are calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to explore tech-driven solutions such as:
Biometric and BVN-linked verification through banks.
Appointment-based scheduling to reduce overcrowding.
Mobile verification teams to reach the bedridden and immobile.
Without such reforms, critics warn, the state risks undermining its pledge to uphold the welfare and dignity of senior citizens.
