The Lagos State Government has trained 400 officers in the Unified Local Government Service on how to achieve a smooth transition from active service to retirement.
The training was part of the 2026 Pre-Retirement Sensitisation Workshop organised by the Office of Local Government Establishments and Training and held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
In a post obtained from the Lagos State’s X handle on Saturday, speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Local Government Establishments and Training, Ms. Toyin Ogunlana, said retirement should be seen as a new phase of life rather than the end of a career.
She said the workshop was designed to equip officers approaching retirement with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions after leaving active service.
“Retirement is a significant milestone in the life of every public servant. It should not be viewed as the end of a career but as the beginning of another important phase that requires careful planning, informed decision-making and adequate preparation,” Ogunlana said.
The Permanent Secretary explained that many retiring officers face challenges due to limited knowledge of pension administration, financial planning, healthcare management and opportunities for productive engagement after retirement.
She noted that inadequate preparation often occurs because some officers begin retirement planning only in the final years of their service.
According to her, the workshop was organised to provide practical guidance that would help participants achieve financial security, emotional stability and a rewarding life after public service.
Speaking on the theme, “Retirement Ready: Ensuring a Seamless Transition from Service to Pension,” Ogunlana stressed the importance of early retirement planning, proper understanding of pension procedures and sustainable post-retirement plans.
She expressed confidence that the programme would empower participants to prepare adequately for life after service.
In his goodwill message, the Director-General of the Lagos State Pension Commission, Mr. Babalola Obilana, commended the Office of Local Government Establishments and Training for sustaining the annual sensitisation programme.
Represented by the Head of Technical Department, LASPEC, Mrs. Morenike Makinde, the Director-General described the initiative as a proactive step towards ensuring that retiring officers have a seamless transition into retirement.
He urged participants to familiarise themselves with the Contributory Pension Scheme, keep accurate retirement records and maintain regular communication with their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).
“Officers should ensure that their retirement records are accurate and engage regularly with their Pension Fund Administrators to avoid unnecessary delays in accessing their benefits,” he said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Mrs. Bukonla Durodola, advised officers to view retirement as the beginning of another productive chapter rather than the end of active life.
She encouraged participants to embrace retirement with proper planning and a positive mindset to maximise opportunities beyond public service.
