The Lagos State Government has equipped over 1,400 prospective retirees with the necessary knowledge and information to navigate their retirement processes seamlessly.
Mr Bode Agoro, Head of Service (HoS), Lagos Sate Government, said this at the 26th Retirement Documentation seminar for prospective retirees of the state public service, organised by the Lagos Pension Commission (LASPEC) on Friday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the prospective retirees were those due for retirement between July and December.
Agoro, represented by Mr Abdulrafiu Fasola, Secretary, Lagos State Housing Board, said that the seminar was a crucial step to transition to a well deserved and fulfilling retirement after years of dedicated service.
He implored the prospective retirees to quicken the process of their clearance from the appropriate Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to ease further processing of their retirement benefits by LASPEC.
The HoS noted that retirement was eminent in the life o
f any worker and that in the public service, it came as either having attained 60 years or meritorious service of 35 years.
‘Take advantage of the opportunities that will be provided by this forum, which serves as a testament in supporting you in the journey to the new chapters of your lives.
‘As you prepare to embark on the new phase of life, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for your numerous contributions; individually and collectively to the growth and development of the state.
‘I congratulate you in advance, on your successful transition into retirement and encourage you to cherish memories, celebrate your accomplishments and look forward to the new challenges that await you in retirement,’ he said.
Agoro lauded the management and staff of LASPEC for always providing helpful information and guidance to the retirees, as well as being effective in the discharge of their duties.
In his remark, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, Commissioner for Establishments and Training, said the state government had con
tinuously prioritised the welfare and interests of pensioners in the public service.
Ayantayo noted that the state does so, by ensuring the prompt payment of pension obligations within the available limited resources.
‘Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has shown his commitment to the financial freedom of retirees in the state, by ensuring the monthly payment of retirement obligations.
‘The Lagos State Government is dedicated to maintaining its leading role in the Nigerian pension industry, by its goal to promptly pay retirees’ pensions upon disengagement from the public service,’ he stated.
The commissioner charged the prospective retirees to ensure that all pertinent documentation had been submitted by their MDAs and their personnel files accurate, adding that addressing these matters after retirement may prove challenging.
‘I also wish to advise you to embrace the joy and challenges of this new phase of life. Be wary of fraudsters and seek advice from competent and reliable sources.
‘In this regard, please do n
ot hesitate to contact LASPEC or the Ministry of Establishments and Training, should you require clarifications or advice regarding the modalities surrounding your retirement benefit matters.
‘I congratulate every prospective retiree present and wish you all the best. I pray that God will give you good health to enjoy your retirement,’ he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Mr Babalola Obilana, Director-General, LASPEC said the commission brought in experts and professionals to guide the prospective retirees through the important aspects of their retirement documentation, to help them make well-informed decisions.
Obilana stated that by planning and documenting their pre-retirement affairs meticulously, the prospective retirees were taking a significant step toward ensuring that their retirement years were successful.
He noted that retirement could be a time of immense joy and fulfillment, but could also pose challenges.
He said, ‘Retirement is not an end, but a new beginning and a time to explore pass
ions and spend quality time with loved ones.
‘It is also a time to pursue dreams that were unfulfilled during working years due to time constraints.’
NAN reports that the seminar covered a range of topics related to pre-retirement documentation, financial planning, legal considerations and healthcare, among others.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria