By Chidi Ugwu
The Executive Secretary of the Pension Transition Arrangement Directorate (PTAD),
Tolulope Odunaiya, on Tuesday, received members of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) in her office. This meeting is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to raise public awareness about its reform initiatives. Odunaiya emphasised the vital role of the media in providing clarity and giving a voice to the masses.
The delegation of the visiting Online Editors, led by its Chairman, ‘Sola Akingboye, notified the Executive Secretary that the Association of Corporate Online Editors, ACOE, is a dynamic association of over 50 online media organisations, uniting professional editors from across the country, whose mission is to uphold the highest standards of journalism in the emerging global new media landscape.
Akingboye commended PTAD for its core objectives and regulations aimed at ensuring timely payments to retirees. He acknowledged the challenges PTAD has faced, many of which stem from systemic corruption within the pension system over the years. He noted, “Under your able leadership, we have seen effective measures being implemented to address pension issues through various reforms and initiatives focused on combating pension fraud and establishing new guidelines for deductions and remittances.”
Akingboye also highlighted one of PTAD’s pilot initiatives, the “I Am Alive Confirmation (IAAC)” solution. He praised Odunaiya for its impact, stating that the initiative not only supports helpless pensioners but also saves the Federal Government huge resources previously used for physical verification exercises.
“These accomplishments, along with many others, reflect the commendable leadership we have observed since you took office less than ten months ago,” Akingboye remarked.
He further stated, “We are here to offer our support for all efforts aimed at improving the pension system in Nigeria. You can count on us to utilise our various media platforms to promote the good work currently ongoing under your leadership at PTAD.”
In response, Odunaiya lauded the important role of the media, saying, “The media is a champion of clarity. Many people may not fully understand what is being communicated, but your role in clarifying and shedding light on complex issues is invaluable. Thank you once again for your efforts.”
“I recognise the significant contributions of online media, and I welcome the opportunity to partner with you. We are open to collaborating with the media,” she added.
“Media partnerships will help amplify our efforts and inform citizens both within Nigeria and abroad, as the online space knows no boundaries.
Thank you for proposing this collaboration with PTAD. We look forward to your requests and fully support your efforts; you have our backing.” Odunaiya concluded.
