The verification process for pensioners in Osun State encountered significant challenges on Monday, including a shortage of personnel and logistical issues, leading to exhaustion among some pensioners.
Around 20 pensioners, among those who attended the verification event held in Osogbo, the state capital, required medical attention due to exhaustion. These senior citizens had gathered at the venue from various parts of the state, hoping to complete the verification process.
As the verification commenced, the limited number of officials handling the exercise became overwhelmed by the large crowd of retirees, causing delays and frustration among the pensioners. The slow pace of the proceedings led to tension, and the situation worsened when some retirees, unable to endure the lengthy process, suffered exhaustion and had to be attended to by paramedics from the Osun Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System.
The Speaker of the State Assembly, Wale Egbedun, intervened and suspended the exercise. Several retirees expressed their dissatisfaction and called for the decentralization of the verification process.
Pensioners, including Pa Thomas Olagunju from Ipetu-Ijesa, Mrs. Mary Iluyomade from Ikirun, and Mr. Akin Ajasa from Oyan, complained about the delays and the physical toll it took on them. They stressed the need for more staff and improved organization to address the challenges faced by pensioners during the verification process.
Elizabeth Arowosafe, Head of Operations for Osun Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, confirmed that 20 pensioners suffering from exhaustion received medical attention and were subsequently discharged. She attributed the fatigue to the overcrowded venue and prolonged standing.
Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson for Governor Ademola Adeleke, assured the pensioners that the governor was committed to their welfare and had ordered an investigation into the issues faced during the verification process. He emphasized that corrective measures were already being implemented to address the challenges and ensure a smoother process for pensioners in the future.