Public and Civil servants including prospective retirees of both Primary School Teachers and Local Government Staff have been charged to plan adequately for life after retirement.
The admonition was given by eminent personalities at the zonal sensitization training programme organized by the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board for prospective retirees including the Oyo state Head of Service, Dr Adenike Fasina mni, the Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board, Hon Akeem Ademola, former Commissioner of Finance and APM gubernatorial candidate, Hon Bimbo Adekanmbi , Hon Dikrullahi Odidiomo member representing Ibadan South West/Ibadan North West federal constituency and APM candidate for Oyo South senatorial district.
In her keynote address, the Oyo State Head of Service, Dr Adenike Fasina mni represented by the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Service, Office of the HOS , Mr Osungbekun Lateef Adeleke 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, embrace opportunities like agriculture , small scale businesses, consultancy and other lawful activities.” She said.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Board, Hon Akeem Ige said the theme of the programme is “Towards a Secure, Sustainable and Dignifed Retirement and that prospective retirees of primary school teachers and local government staff must not see retirement as the end of life but another phase of life, hence they must plan for life after retirement, that is why the management of the board deemed it necessary to organize the training programme in order to equip them with vital tips and skills that will make retirement enjoyable and processing of retirement benefits seamless..
He then commended the state governor, Engr Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde for approving Three Billion Naira ( #3B) for disbursement of gratuity to another batch of retirees and next of kins of deceased pensioners and other welfare packages for all retirees in the Pacesetter state. Hon Ige therefore highlighted some of the achievements of the Board recorded under the present administration which include payment of monthly pension on the 25th of every month, payment of #42b as gratuity and death benefits, payment of #50,000 Christmas bonus and many more.
In his goodwill message at the event , former Commissioner for Finance and APM gubernatorial candidate in the forthcoming 2027 general election, Hon Abimbola Adekanmbi promised to continue and improve on the welfare of pensioners if elected as governor of Oyo State in the 2027 general elections.
Also speaking at the event , Hon Dikrullahi Odidiomo member representing Ibadan South West/ North West federal constituency and APM candidate for Oyo South senatorial district represented by Barrister Seun Adelore, SA to the Governor on Establishment and Training Alhaji Siju Lawal, state NUP Executives, Com Dosu Akinpelu and Alhaji Muniru Adesope commended governor Seyi Makinde for rolling out various Pensioners friendly policies since he came board and then advised the gratuity payment beneficiaries to spend their money wisely. They also charged prospective retirees to prioritize their health in order to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Resource persons at the training programme that delivered impactful lectures include Permanent Secretaries Ministry of Establishment and Training, Barrister M.S Olagoke, Service Policy and Strategy, Rev Adesola Adekunle Victor, Director of Personnel, SUBEB, Mrs Omolara Adegbenjo, Chief Olumuyiwa Oyetunji , retired Director Federal Civil Service, Auditor General for Local Government Alhaji Ismail Bioku, Executive Secretary, OYSHIA, Dr Sola Akande, Dr Ayo Omotoso and Dr Ayodele Busari among others.
However, symbolic presentation of gratuity cheques, certificates of participation later took place at the two- in -one progranme.
Dignitaries that graced the event include NUT Chairman , Com Hassan Ajibola Fatai, Hon Jide Boladuro Chairman/DG Oyo State Gaming and Lottery Board, PS Ibadan Zone 1 Barrister Jubril Alaga, Accountant General Mrs Adegoke Kikelomo represented by Mr Kilanko Olayemi , Mr Mutiu Musilimi Zonal Head , South West PENCOM , AOPSHON chairman represented by Comrade Ganiyu Adeniyi Asekuntile, Hon Bayo Akande SA to the Governor on ICT, Acting Head of Local Government Administration, LGSPB, Alhaji Musibau Ladele, Heads of Departments, LGSPB and a host of others.
