- President Bola Tinubu has dismissed Chioma Ejikeme as Executive Secretary of PTAD, appointing Tolulope Odunaiya as her successor amid pensioner protests
- Tolulope Odunaiya officially assumed the role of PTAD Executive Secretary on November 18, 2024, and outlines her vision to improve the lives of pensioners
- In her first address, Odunaiya emphasised the importance of timely pension payments and the well-being of retirees, aligning with Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda
President Bola Tinubu has dismissed Chioma Ejikeme, the Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), and appointed Tolulope Odunaiya as her replacement.
The move follows a protest by retirees under the Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS), who recently demonstrated in Abuja over unpaid pension benefits dating back to March 2023.
In a statement issued on Monday, November 18, by Olugbenga Ajayi, Head of Corporate Communications at PTAD, it was announced that Odunaiya officially took office as the new Executive Secretary on November 18, 2024, succeeding Ejikeme, who had held the position since August 2019.
Ejikeme's removal comes just 13 months after she was reappointed by President Tinubu for a second term in October 2023.
The statement read: "We are delighted to inform our publics, especially PTAD pensioners and other stakeholders, of the appointment of Miss Tolulope Abiodun Odunaiya as the substantive Executive Secretary of PTAD. Miss Odunaiya assumed office today, 18th November 2024, at the PTAD headquarters where she was warmly welcomed by the Management and Staff."
In her first address to PTAD staff, Odunaiya noted her commitment to building on the successes of her predecessors. She outlined her vision for the directorate, focusing on collaboration, unity, and achieving meaningful progress for pensioners.
"It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I assume this role," Odunaiya said.
"I want to begin by acknowledging the remarkable work of my predecessors and the dedication of every individual who has contributed to this agency's success."
"My vision is for a PTAD where every individual feels recognised, empowered, and motivated. We must work together for a common purpose: improving the lives of our pensioners, who have selflessly served our nation."
Odunaiya described pensioners as the "backbone of Nigeria’s development," highlighting their contributions in shaping the country’s progress. She vowed to ensure that pensioners receive the care, respect, and timely benefits they deserve.
“It is both our responsibility and our honor to ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten,” she stated.
“Through our collective efforts, we will reaffirm their value to the nation and ensure their retirement years are fulfilling.”
The new Executive Secretary also reiterated her commitment to aligning PTAD’s mission with President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, emphasising efficiency, accountability, and compassion in all aspects of the directorate’s work.
Tinubu appoints Oluyede as acting Chief Of Army Staff
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff.
Oluyede, a seasoned officer with extensive command experience, had held key positions in the Nigerian Army and participated in significant operations.
