Thirteen retirees of Ikeja Local Government have been honoured for completing 35 years of dedicated and meritorious service to the council.
The retirees received certificates and gifts at the Ikeja Local Government anniversary programme in recognition of their commitment, dedication and selfless contributions to the development of the council.
Among those honoured were Mr Awe Moses, Mrs Basirat Olayinka, Mrs Lawal Ruth, Mrs Afolabi Omolara, Mrs Sodiq Omobolanle, Mrs Ige Abosede, Mr Kadiri Adekunle, Mrs Omoloye Waleola, Mr Folowora Kolawole, Mr Shonekan Idowu, Mr Aluko Oluwatoyin and Mr Olowu Ayinla, among others.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Council Manager, Mrs Juliana Taiwo Odubeko, urged the retirees to embrace retirement with optimism, stressing that it should not be regarded as the end of life but as an opportunity to begin another meaningful and productive chapter.
Odubeko encouraged them to explore community service, agriculture, entrepreneurship and other profitable ventures that could provide fulfilment while enabling them to remain productive and relevant in society.
Also speaking, Mr Esan, who represented the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, urged the retirees to place premium value on their health by prioritising regular medical check-ups, exercise and other healthy lifestyle practices.
He advised them to save wisely and be prudent with their spending, particularly as they would no longer receive regular salaries as serving public servants.
The Head of Service’s representative further urged the retirees to remain active and contribute meaningfully to their communities. He encouraged them to engage in community service, mentor younger people, take up farming and devote more time to their families, noting that their long years in public service may have created gaps that could now be addressed.
He particularly advised couples to pay greater attention to one another and strengthen their family relationships now that they have retired from active service.
In his goodwill message, the Lagos State Head of Service expressed profound gratitude and appreciation to the retirees for their meritorious service, loyalty and dedication to the Lagos State Public Service.
He prayed that the Almighty God would grant them sound health, peace, renewed strength and many more years of fulfilment, while congratulating them on their successful and distinguished careers and wishing them a rewarding new chapter in life.
Representing the Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Prince Adeyinka Illo, commended the retirees for their years of dedication, commitment and selfless service to the council.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, Mrs Ruth Lawal expressed appreciation to the Chairman for his support and encouragement during his first year in office. She commended him for maintaining a cordial relationship with council staff and for the various laudable projects executed by his administration within the year.
Mrs Lawal also appreciated the Council Manager, Mrs Juliana Taiwo Odubeko, and the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Comrade Olusegun Jubril, for their support, encouragement and contributions to staff welfare throughout their years of service.
The event was attended by APC leaders, stakeholders, members and supporters across Ikeja, alongside members of the council’s executive, legislators, supervisors, special advisers and management staff.
