My wife died chasing nine-month retirement benefits from Ogun – Retiree

Charles Ogunbanwo, a retired head teacher from Ogun State, shared the heartbreaking story of his late wife, Hannah, who died after relentlessly demanding her retirement benefits from the Ogun State Government. Hannah, a hardworking and respected woman, worked for the government since 1991 and retired on January 16, 2026. Despite having a pension balance of N4 million, she died on October 16 without receiving any payment.

Hannah's demands for her retirement benefits were based on the old pension scheme, which entitled her to more than N300,000 monthly. However, the government insisted on using the new Contributory Pension Scheme, which the retirees believed would be detrimental to them. The government failed to listen to their appeals and instead adopted the new policy, which was not in the retirees' best interest.

Hannah and other affected retirees held peaceful rallies to demand their benefits, with Hannah serving as a zonal coordinator and leading the group in her area. Her passion for promoting people's welfare endeared her to many, including those who loved her for her dedication. However, the government's refusal to pay her benefits took a toll on her health, and she eventually succumbed to her struggles.