In its resolve to ensure clarity and sanity in the pension sector, Ogun State Government has begun the Biometric/Data Capturing for Pensioners in the State to sustain prompt payment of pensions and detect ghost pensioners from its payroll.

The Permanent Secretary, Bureau of State Pensions, Mr. Olukunle Sodeinde made this known in Ijebu Igbo, during the screening exercise at Abusi Odumare Academy, saying the Biometric/Data Capturing for all the pensioners who are still alive is imperative, as the information supplied would be useful for the government to work with.

Sodeinde said the screening would ensure judicious use of resources to cater for senior citizens, as well as reveal fake pensioners who are sabotaging the government's investment in the sector.

On his part, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ijebu North Branch, Pastor Samuel Adesanya applauded the government for the exercise and urged it to look inwards, especially concerning members who are not fit enough to present themselves at the screening centres.

He solicited more support for the pensioners' welfare and gave kudos to the organisers for a stress-free and well-coordinated exercise.

Responding on behalf of the Pensioners, Mr. Remi Ogunbanjo and Mrs. Risikatu Adewale noted that the data capturing was a welcome development, as it would enable the government to detect any anomaly and stop such, calling on the government to promptly attend to issues affecting the senior citizens.