By joshua 
Engr. Clement Ohida: Steering Kogi Pensioners to New Heights of Welfare and Unity.
By Abu Micheal
Engr. Clement Ohida, is the Kogi State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners. He has reasonably reposition the Union for better service delivery, making the Members to appreciate his sterling leadership qualities. Unlike in the past, Kogi State NUP is experiencing an unusual positive leadership.
Under the leadership of Engr. Clement Ohida, the relationship with the Kogi State Government in terms of discussion has been top notch.
Engr. Clement Ohida
currently serves as the Chairman, Kogi State Chapter, Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP). He was Re‑affirmed for a second four‑year term in 2024.
Ohida by training is an Engineer of no mean repute; long‑standing unionist, now a key voice in Kogi’s labour and pension discourse.
His key accomplishments include
1. Restoration of 100 % Pension Payment
– Secured full (100 %) pension for retirees at both state and local government levels after years of percentage-based payments. The April 2024 payment cycle marked the first time this was achieved under Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration
2. Increase in Monthly Pension
– Announced a rise to ₦10,000 monthly pension for state and local government retirees and introduced free healthcare insurance for members earning below ₦50,000.
3. Harmonisation and Gratuity Advocacy
– Pushed for harmonised pensions for long‑serving retirees and payment of outstanding gratuities, though gaps remain at local government level.
4. Biometric Verification Campaign (July 2025)
– Encouraged retirees to partake in the “I am Alive” verification exercise for seamless data update and inclusion on the payroll.
5. Stakeholder Collaboration.
– Strengthened ties with Gov. Ododo, Sec. Folashade Ayoade, Commissioner Deedat Ozigi Salami, and labour adviser Comrade Onuh Edoka (Special Adviser on Labour), fostering a “pension‑friendly” environment.
Thus far members of Kogi NUP are saying they cannot hide their joy, said the administration of Gov. Ododo is pensioners‑friendly.” According to NUP Kogi in a statement after 100 % pension payment restoration,
“We’re ready to bend backwards. appreciating the government while asking for more on 100 % pension, harmonisation and gratuity” Ohida was quoted, called for continued support. He urge members to pray and back Gov. Ododo’s administration for further welfare improvements.
Though without challenges, Engr. Ohida highlighted
Gratuity arrears for local government pensioners still pending, low base pension for some (as low as ₦5,000), even though he said percentage payments have risen to 100 % from 30‑35 % previously.
Engr. Clement Ohida’s tenure so far reads like a balancing act of quick wins—full pension payout, increased stipends, and health coverage—and persistent advocacy for the yet‑unresolved gratuity and harmonisation issues.
His rapport with Gov. Ododo and state officials appears to be a cornerstone of the progress, while union members echo both gratitude and hope for the next steps.