By Kolawole Ojebisi
Reasons are being advanced as to why President Bola Tinubu has sacked Chioma Ejikeme, the Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD).
This sack which was contained in a statement issued by the Head of the Corporate Communications Unit at PTAD, Olugbenga Ajayi, on Monday, came shortly about a year after Ejikeme was re-appointed to that role after her first tenure lapsed.
According to the statement, Tolulope Odunaiya has been appointed as Ejikeme’s replacement.
It added that Odunaiya officially assumed office at the PTAD headquarters on November 18, succeeding Ejikeme, who served from August 2019 to November 2024.
Though the statement did not state the reason for Ejikeme’s sack, checks by The New Diplomat show that the development may not be unconnected with the way she allegedly handled retirees’ backlog of unpaid pensions and other entitlements.
Retirees, under the aegies of Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS), had staged a protest at the federal ministry of finance, Abuja, over unpaid benefits since March 2023 about a week ago.
Ejikeme was removed from office 13 months after she was reappointed for a second term by Tinubu in October 2023.
“We are delighted to inform our Publics especially PTAD pensioners and other stakeholders of the appointment of Miss Tolulope Abiodun Odunaiya by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the substantive Executive Secretary of Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD),” the statement reads.
“Miss Odunaiya assumed office today, 18th November, 2024 at the PTAD Headquarters where Management and Staff of the Directorate welcomed her warmly. She is taking over from Dr. Chioma Nnenna Ejikeme who was the Executive Secretary from August 2019 to November 2024.”
In her address to the staff members, according to the statement, Odunaiya pledged to build on the achievements of her predecessors.
She assured the team of a new chapter — one focused on collaboration, unity, and a common purpose — aimed at achieving significant results and lasting progress.
“It is with a deep sense of responsibility and purpose that I address you as the new Executive Secretary of this Directorate. I want to begin by acknowledging the remarkable work of my predecessors and the dedication of every individual who has contributed to bringing us to this point,” Odunaiya said.
“My vision is for a Directorate where every individual feels recognized, empowered, and motivated to make meaningful contributions.
“I urge all of us to transcend personal interests and come together around our shared purpose: improving the lives of our pensioners, who have selflessly served this nation, often in challenging circumstances.”
While acknowledging the sacrifices of retirees to nation building, Odunaiya said pensioners are the backbone of the nation’s history and development, having dedicated their time, expertise, and efforts to shaping the Nigeria inherited today.
“It is both our responsibility and our honor to ensure they receive the care, respect, and timely entitlements they deserve. Their sacrifices must never be forgotten, and through our collective efforts, we can reaffirm their value to the nation and make their retirement years fulfilling,” she added.
