By joshua 
Birthday Tribute To Engr. Clement Ohida: The Pensioners’ Champion Who Restored Dignity In Kogi
By Abu Micheal
Yesterday, Engr. Clement Ohida, Kogi State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, marked another year of life and service. For pensioners and many well wishers who have followed his trajectory across the state, it was more than a birthday celebration. It was a moment of sober reflection and deep gratitude for a leadership that changed the narrative.
Since assuming office as NUP Chairman, Engr. Ohida’s tenure has been defined by advocacy, consistency, and results. Under his watch, pensioners boldly say the story has shifted from irregular percentage pension to full, regular payment. That alone restored hope to thousands of retirees who served Kogi and Nigeria with their strength and years. Aside from payment, his leadership secured the inclusion of pensioners in minimum wage adjustments, a feat retirees say could only have happened during his time.
He has consistently reminded government that retirement should mean rest, not struggle, and has placed pensioners’ welfare at the center of every engagement. With many pensioners living with terminal ailments, he has continued to emphasize that dignity, medical access, and timely entitlements are not privileges but rights.
Engr. Clement embodies the qualities of a model senior civil servant. He leads with integrity and accountability, putting the interest of pensioners first.
He understands systems, policy, and timing, and his preparation met opportunity during the administration of Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo. Though his unassuming lifestyle has not been free of challenges, he has pressed forward with focus, determination, and resilience, achieving results without violent engagement or confrontation.
He listens before he speaks, serves before he is served, and remains approachable despite the weight of his office. He consistently says that life can only be sweet for pensioners who, after service to their fatherland, get what is due to them, and that belief drives every action.
His tenure has been marked by one clear message: pensioners must have rest after retirement. That philosophy has guided his advocacy and earned him the trust of retirees statewide.
On his birthday, it is therefore not out of place to state that Engr. Clement Ohida is cut out for this task. He has faced challenges, but with steady leadership and dialogue, he has achieved so much, and pensioners believe more is still to come in the days ahead.
Happy Birthday, Engr. Clement Ohida. Kogi pensioners rest assured because you lead.
Abu Micheal, Journalist, Publisher, ANIPR, MNIM, Editorial Board Member, Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria, MCIA.