The pensioners in Oyo State have expressed confidence in Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration, endorsing him as their candidate for the March 18 governorship election.

They made the declaration at the medical outreach held at the Oyo State Pensioners House, Onireke in Ibadan.

No fewer than 1000 senior citizens and pensioners benefited from the medical outreach organised by Omi Tuntun Initiative in Diaspora (OID).

The OID is a professional group established in support of the Makinde-led administration.

The outreach featured eye care and checks, sugar level check for diabetics, blood pressure checks and general medical consultations among others.

They expressed confidence that their wellbeing would be much improved, if Mr Makinde was re-elected for a second term.

In his remarks, James Ayoade, the State Vice-Chairman, Oyo State chapter, Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), thanked organisers of the medical outreach.

Mr Ayoade described Mr Makinde as a promise keeper.

According to him, Mr Makinde did not only keep promises made to pensioners, but has improved their standard of living.

Also, Shina Oyelakin, one of the beneficiaries, lauded the governor for his giant stride in changing the fortunes of the state.

Mr Oyelakin commended the Initiative of OID in putting such a medical intervention in place at this period in time.

“I have stopped disturbing people, including my daughter, for financial assistance for the past three years, because my pension and gratuity entitlements were being paid regularly by Makinde,” he said.

Another beneficiary, Remilekun Arowolo, said pensioners are solidly behind Mr Makinde and are fully ready to give him their votes.

Mr Arowolo said that all senior citizens were given different medical attention with medications and dental treatment, including eyeglasses free of charge.

Commenting, the State Commissioner for Works, Professor Daud Sangodoyin, thanked the beneficiaries for putting their trust in the government.

Mr Sangodoyin thanked them for the unflinching support of the pensioners for the governor.

He, however, called on the people to come out en masse to vote for Makinde for a second term.

The commissioner assured them of more people-oriented policies in the Omituntun 2.0 administration of Mr Makinde.

Also, Dr Olufemi Olowookeere, Physician in charge of the outreach, expressed satisfaction with the care being administered to the senior citizens during the programme.

Mr Olowookeere said that more of such medical outreach was needed in the country to alleviate the sufferings of the aged and pensioners.

He said that they were rendering assistance to the community, especially the older people as a dividend of democracy to the people.

The physician said that the outreach was carried through the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) and building primary healthcare centres across the state, describing it as highly commendable.

Mr Olowookeere said that the effort was to allow older people who did not have access to social security in the country to enjoy quality healthcare services.

(NAN)