President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sacked Dr. Chioma Ejikeme as the Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), just 13 months after her reappointment.
In a swift decision, Tinubu named Miss Tolulope Abiodun Odunaiya as the new head of the agency.
A statement from PTAD spokesperson, Olugbenga Ajayi, on Monday confirmed the appointment and revealed that Miss Odunaiya had immediately assumed office at PTAD’s Abuja headquarters.
Surprise Exit for Ejikeme
Dr. Ejikeme’s removal comes as a shock to many, especially since she was reappointed for a second term on October 10, 2023.
No official reasons were provided for her dismissal.
Observers note that such abrupt changes in leadership raise questions about governance and performance reviews in government agencies.
A New Dawn at PTAD
Miss Odunaiya, the newly appointed Executive Secretary, wasted no time in addressing the staff of PTAD.
She acknowledged the contributions of her predecessors and the efforts of the agency’s staff in building PTAD’s reputation.
“It is with a deep sense of responsibility and purpose that I address you as the new Executive Secretary of this Directorate,” she stated.
Odunaiya described her vision as one that emphasizes collaboration, unity, and shared purpose.
“My vision is for a directorate where every individual feels recognized, empowered, and motivated to make meaningful contributions,” she said.
She urged the staff to work together to improve the lives of pensioners, whom she called the backbone of Nigeria’s history and development.
A Renewed Commitment to Pensioners
Miss Odunaiya vowed to uphold PTAD’s mission to ensure pensioners receive the care and respect they deserve.
“Pensioners are the backbone of our country’s history and development, having devoted their time, skills, and energy to building the Nigeria we inherit today,” she said passionately.
She emphasized the importance of ensuring timely entitlements and reaffirming the value of pensioners to the nation.
“It is both our responsibility and our honor to ensure they receive the care, respect, and timely entitlements they deserve,” she added.
Odunaiya pledged to align PTAD’s operations with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on efficiency, accountability, and compassion.
Touring the Directorate
After addressing the staff, Odunaiya embarked on a tour of PTAD’s departments and units to familiarize herself with the agency’s operations.
This hands-on approach, she said, would help her understand the challenges and opportunities within the directorate.
Background on PTAD
PTAD was established to oversee the management of pensions for retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme.
It has been instrumental in addressing pension-related challenges, including delays and inefficiencies in payment.
Dr. Ejikeme’s tenure saw improvements in the agency’s operations, though critics argue there is still much to be done to ensure pensioners’ satisfaction.
Miss Odunaiya’s appointment signals a potential shift in PTAD’s direction, as she aims to build on the foundation laid by her predecessors.
