A retired head teacher, Mr. Charles Ogunbanwo, has shared the heartbreaking story of his late wife, Hannah, who passed away after a prolonged struggle to secure her pension benefits from the Ogun State Government. Hannah, who retired on January 16, 2026, devoted her final months to advocating for the rights of retirees, only to succumb to health issues exacerbated by the stress of her financial situation.

Hannah, a respected educator, began her career in 1991 and became a head teacher in 2010. Known for her dedication and leadership, she was actively involved in the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria. Following her retirement, she discovered that her pension benefits had been significantly under-calculated, revealing a sum of about N4 million, which she and her colleagues deemed unjust.

Determined to rectify the situation, Hannah took the lead in organizing protests and rallies, demanding that the Ogun State Government address the discrepancies in their pension calculations. Their appeals resulted in the amount owed increasing to approximately N15 million, as the government was required to pay additional interest due to delayed contributions. Despite their efforts, the government did not respond adequately, prompting the group to seek legal assistance.

Tragically, Hannah’s health began to deteriorate shortly after her retirement. Diagnosed with cyanosis, she underwent two surgeries, and the family spent over N8 million on her medical treatment, relying on donations and loans to cover the costs. Despite their desperate attempts to save her life, she passed away on October 16, just days after returning from a hospital in Lagos.

Charles, who is also a retired teacher but under the old pension scheme, lamented the toll that the struggle for benefits took on his wife’s health. He expressed deep sorrow over the financial strain they faced, stating that if Hannah had received her pension, it could have alleviated some of the stress that contributed to her declining health.

The couple, married since 1993 and parents to four children, had envisioned a peaceful retirement after years of dedicated service. However, the ongoing issues surrounding the new Contributory Pension Scheme left many retirees, including Hannah, feeling abandoned by the government. Charles criticized the state’s refusal to revert to the old Defined Benefit Scheme, which he believes would better serve those who have spent their lives working for the state.

In his poignant reflection on his wife’s life, Charles emphasized her commitment to justice and the welfare of others. He called on the Ogun State Government to listen to the grievances of retirees and take immediate action to rectify the injustices they face. "It is painful that those who served the state diligently are left to suffer in retirement," he said, urging the authorities to prioritize the needs of retired civil servants.

As the family mourns their loss, they are left grappling with the emotional and financial fallout of a system that failed to protect those who dedicated their lives to public service. Charles’ plea highlights the urgent need for reform in the pension system to ensure that no retiree has to endure the hardships that his wife faced in her final months.