From Jimoh Ahmed,
Ikare Akoko.
Retirees of Ondo State Government public service have described the ongoing screening exercise for pensioners in the state as a welcome development.
They however called on government to have an up to date data and record of retired workers instead of the perennial screening exercise which most often brought hardship to the senior citizens.
The retirees spoke at the Saint Gregory Mega School, Ikare Akoko, venue of the screening exercise for retirees from the four local government areas of Akokoland.
The pensioners who converged at the centre as early as 7.00am complained of lack of sitting arrangement as many were seen loitering about.
A retired school principal, Alhaji Jimoh Ayegboka, said this exercise since it was meant to detect ghost pensioners and reduced the wage bill of the state government.
He urged government to effect regular payment of their monthly stipends immediately after the exercise, as many senior citizens are on daily drugs and medication which cost lot of money.
A retired hospital matron, lauded the Comfort Rotimi said she had reported at the centre before 8.00am.
Others who spoke with The Hope called for sincerity and honesty on the side of the officials.