Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has approved the reappointment of Hajia Mariam Abedo as the Director General of the Kogi State Pension Commission (PENCOM).
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‎The appointment was conveyed in a letter by the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade.
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‎According to the statement, the Governor noted that the reappointment is in recognition of her outstanding performance and reform-driven leadership in the state’s pension administration and urged her to sustain  ongoing reforms in pension administration and continue to deliver initiatives that will improve the welfare of pensioners in the state.
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‎Governor Ododo also noted that said his administration will keep pensioners’ welfare as a top priority, stressing that those who have served the state deserve to retire with dignity and peace of mind.
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‎He assured that the government will continue to back state’s Pension Commission with the resources and support required to run a fair, transparent and efficient pension administration in the state.
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‎Hajia Mariam, who was first appointed in August 2020, has been widely commended for steering the Commission through significant milestones, including the ongoing clearance of gratuity arrears dating back to 2002 and the consistent payment of monthly benefits to pensioners without delay.
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‎The PENCOM boss expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for the confidence reposed in her, pledging to consolidate on the gains of her first term in office.
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‎She noted that her new term in office will focus on deepening pension reforms, including the state’s planned transition from the Defined Benefits Scheme to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) with full implementation slated for next year.
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‎She stressed that the reforms will eliminate delays and challenges pensioners have experienced in the past, creating a more transparent, responsive, and fully digitized pension system.
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‎She further commended Governor Ododo for his strong support for pensioners’ welfare, noting that the regular release of gratuity payments and other ongoing reforms will see Kogi State emerge as a model for efficient pension fund administration in Nigeria.