Plan for life after retirement, Fasina, Ige, Adekanmbi tell civil servants

Public and civil servants, particularly prospective retirees among primary school teachers and local government workers in Oyo State, have been urged to plan adequately for life after retirement to ensure financial stability, good health and a fulfilling post-service life.

The advice was given by government officials, pension administrators and political figures at a zonal sensitisation training programme organised by the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board for prospective retirees.

Those who spoke at the event included the state Head of Service, Dr Adenike Fasina; Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board, Hon Akeem Ige; former Commissioner for Finance and Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) governorship candidate, Hon Bimbo Adekanmbi; and member representing Ibadan South-West/North-West Federal Constituency, Hon Dikrullahi Adedeji Olajide Odidi-Omo.

In her keynote address, Fasina, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Service, Office of the Head of Service, Mr Osungbekun Lateef Adeleke, stressed the importance of preparing for retirement well ahead of time.

She said, “It is therefore imperative that every officer approaches retirement with adequate preparation, a positive mindset and a clear understanding of the responsibilities and opportunities that lie ahead.

“Retirees should embrace opportunities in agriculture, small-scale businesses, consultancy and other lawful activities that can provide additional income and keep them productively engaged after leaving active service.”

In his welcome address, the chairman of the board, Ige, said the programme, themed “Towards a Secure, Sustainable and Dignified Retirement,” was designed to equip prospective retirees with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate life after service.

He urged them not to regard retirement as the end of life but as the beginning of another phase that required careful planning.

“Retirement should not be seen as the end of life but as another phase of life. That is why the management of the board considered it necessary to organise this training programme to equip prospective retirees with vital tips and skills that will make retirement enjoyable and the processing of their retirement benefits seamless,” he said.

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Ige commended Governor Seyi Makinde for approving N3 billion for the payment of gratuities to another batch of retirees and next of kin of deceased pensioners, alongside other welfare packages for pensioners in the state.

He also highlighted what he described as achievements of the board under the present administration, including the payment of monthly pensions on the 25th of every month, N42 billion in gratuities and death benefits, and a N50,000 Christmas bonus for pensioners.

In his goodwill message, Adekanmbi promised to sustain and improve pensioners’ welfare if elected governor of Oyo State in the 2027 governorship election.

He said, “If elected governor of Oyo State, I will continue to prioritise the welfare of pensioners and improve on the existing support to ensure that those who have served the state are treated with dignity and care.”

Also speaking, Odidi-Omo, who was represented by Barrister Seun Adelore, commended Makinde for introducing policies aimed at improving the welfare of pensioners since assuming office.

Other speakers, including the governor’s Special Assistant on Establishment and Training, Alhaji Siju Lawal; state executives of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade Dosu Akinpelu and Alhaji Muniru Adesope, also advised prospective retirees to prepare for life after service.

They urged beneficiaries of gratuity payments to spend their money wisely, invest prudently and avoid unnecessary financial commitments that could undermine their long-term security.

The speakers also emphasised the importance of prioritising healthcare, noting that maintaining good health was essential for retirees to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Resource persons at the training delivered lectures on various aspects of retirement planning, pension administration, financial management, health and post-service opportunities.

They included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishment and Training, Barrister M.S. Olagoke; Permanent Secretary, Service Policy and Strategy, Rev. Adesola Adekunle Victor; Director of Personnel, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mrs Omolara Adegbenjo; retired Director of the Federal Civil Service, Chief Olumuyiwa Oyetunji; Auditor-General for Local Government, Alhaji Ismail Bioku; Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), Dr Sola Akande; Dr Ayo Omotoso; and Dr Ayodele Busari, among others.

The programme featured the symbolic presentation of gratuity cheques to beneficiaries and certificates of participation to attendees.

Dignitaries at the event included the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai; Chairman and Director-General of the Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, Hon Jide Boladuro; Permanent Secretary, Ibadan Zone One, Barrister Jubril Alaga; and the Accountant-General of the state, Mrs Kikelomo Adegoke, who was represented by Mr Kilanko Olayemi.

Others were the South-West Zonal Head of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mr Mutiu Musilimi; the Chairman of the Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), represented by Comrade Ganiyu Adeniyi Asekuntile; the governor’s Special Assistant on ICT, Hon Bayo Akande; and the Acting Head of Local Government Administration, Local Government Staff Pension Board, Alhaji Musibau Ladele.

Heads of departments of the pension board and other stakeholders also attended the programme.