Lagos State Government Empowers Employees for Retirement Transition
The Lagos State Government has successfully trained 400 employees from the Unified Local Government Service to facilitate a seamless transition from active duty to retirement. This training took place at the Adeyemi Bello Auditorium in the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, as part of the 2026 Pre-Retirement Sensitization Workshop organized by the Local Government Establishment and Training Authority.
During the workshop, Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Establishment and Training Authority, Ms. Toyin Ogunlana, emphasized that retirement should not be perceived as the end of a career, but rather as an opportunity for a transformative new phase of life. The event aimed to equip public servants nearing retirement with essential knowledge and skills to make informed decisions after leaving their roles.
Ogunlana highlighted that retirement marks a significant milestone for public servants, requiring careful planning and informed decision-making. She indicated that many retirees struggle due to a lack of knowledge in areas such as pension management, financial planning, and healthcare, often beginning their preparations only in their final year of service.
The training was designed to offer practical strategies that enable participants to achieve financial security and emotional well-being in their post-service lives. Ogunlana discussed the theme “Preparing for Retirement: Ensuring a Seamless Transition from Employment to Pension” and noted the importance of early retirement planning and understanding pension processes.
Expressing her confidence in the program, Ogunlana believes it will empower participants to adequately prepare for their lives after they exit public service. In a goodwill message, Babalola Obilana, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Pension Commission, praised the ongoing awareness initiative that the Local Government Establishment and Training Authority conducts annually.
Represented by LASPEC Technical Director, Mr. Morenike Makinde, Obilana described the workshop as a proactive measure to ensure a smooth transition into retirement for the officers involved. He encouraged participants to familiarize themselves with contributory pension schemes and maintain accurate retirement records while regularly communicating with their pension fund administrators (PFAs) to prevent any unnecessary delays in receiving benefits.
Mrs. Bukonla Dhlodra, Permanent Secretary of the Local Civil Service Commission, also addressed the gathering, advising attendees to view retirement as the beginning of a new chapter rather than the conclusion of their professional journey. She urged them to approach retirement with proactive planning and a positive attitude, leveraging opportunities beyond their public service roles.
