The Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode has reiterated his commitment towards the welfare of servicing and retired public servants in the state.
The governor gave this assurance at a public forum at the weekend. The event was at the seminar for teachers preparing for retirement.
While declaring the event opened, Governor Ambode, who impressed on the prospective retirees to look forward to retirement with joy, assured that his administration will remain committed to the continuous wellbeing of Lagos state civil servants, including those in active service and pensioners.
“Life after retirement is a time every employee should look forward to. The process of having a peaceful life in retirement is to have an active work life. You must plan ahead,” Governor Ambode stressed.
According to the governor who was represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget, Mr. Segun Banjo, said, “This administration is resolute in ensuring that life in retirement of our public servants is not miserable.”
Expatiating, he said, “Since the inception of this administration in addition to paying staff salaries of civil service, we have also prioritise the payment of terminal benefits for retirees, pensions and gratuities alike. To ensure that the life of retired civil service is sweet we have two offices attending to the workers welfare including the Lagos State Civil Service Pensions office and the Lagos State Pensions Commission (LASPEC). This is to make life easy for both active and retired civil servants.”
Speaking earlier, Dr. Ganiyu Oluremi Sopeyin, Executive Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) said workers, especially those who have served meritoriously usually look forward to retirement. This, he said can only be made possible if such workers planned for their retirement in earnest.
“Workers need to be financially prudent and ensure that they do not spend all during their years in service rather they should spend what is left after savings,’’ the SUBEB boss said.
The seminar tagged: ‘Life after retirement,’ was facilitated by Entreprenovate Nigeria business magazine.
A cross-section of speakers including: Mr. Awojobi Adekunjo, Manager, Leadway Assurance Ltd, Mr. Deji Adeyemo, Simon Ewurogbe and Mr Wale Ajisafe also offered useful insights on how to prepare for life after retirement.