The Lagos State Government host the year 2023 send-forth ceremony for the retired officers of mainstream civil service on Thursday at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
The State’s Head of Service (HoS) Mr. Bode Agoro in his keynote address expressed the deepest gratitude of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the entire Civil Service and the good people of Lagos State to the retirees.
Mr. Agoro who recognised each and every retiree one after the other assured them that “your welfare is top on the agenda of this Administration. There are plans to clear the backlog of pension liability and to ensure that retirement benefits are paid promptly going forward”.
“However, while we look forward to a better future in terms of expedited payment of retirement benefits, it is instructive to note that the observed bureaucracy is a resultant effect of rules and guidelines that must be adhered to in the payment of retirement benefits. It is also important for you to know that more often than not, incomplete documentation contributes to delays in the processing and payment of retirement benefits”.
“May I therefore, urge you to ensure that your documentation is up to date with the relevant Government Agencies charged with the responsibility of processing the payment of these retirement benefits”.
He also emphasized that “Let me also use this opportunity to remind us that the Lagos State Government has put in place the Post Service Department in my Office to continue to keep our Retirees active and remain connected to Lagos State Government through various initiatives and programmes”.
“These include but are not limited to the Bi-monthly Webinar, Quarterly Trainings and Sensitizations, Skills Acquisition and Vocational Trainings and Mentoring Scheme. Others are Retirees Counselling Desks/Recreation and Wellness Centres as well as Routine Medical Checks”.
“These initiatives are aimed at enlightening you about the management of your health, finances and general wellbeing in retirement and keeping you engaged. I admonish you all, therefore, to leverage on these opportunities to your full advantage”.
The HoS accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola and other PS joined the retirees in a celebration dance as the LASTMA Band dished out melodious music.
