Lagos warns intending retirees to be wary of fraudsters

L-R: LASPEC DG, Babalola Obilana; Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo; Secretary, Lagos Staff Housing Board, Abdulrafiu Fashola and the Executive Director, Finance and Investment, LASPEC, Olumuyiwa Oshin at the event.

Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Government on Thursday warned intending retirees from the public service to be wary of fraudsters who might want to deceive them into squandering their pensions.

Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo gave the warning at the 26th retirement documentation seminars for hundreds of intending retirees from the public service held in Alausa, Ikeja area of Lagos.

The seminar was organised by the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC).

He charged the intending retirees to seek advice from from competent and reliable sources before investing their life savings.

In his words: “I also wish to advise you to embrace the joy and challenges of this new phase of life. Be wary of fraudsters and seek advice from competent and reliable sources.”

Ayantayo said the government has continuously prioritized the welfare and interests of pensioners in the Public Service by ensuring the prompt payment of government’s pension obligations within the available limited resources.

He stated that the government is dedicated to maintaining its leading role in the Nigerian Pension Industry by its goal to promptly pay retirees’ pensions upon disengagement from the Public Service.

“In line with Mr. Governor’s goal, the Lagos State Pension Commission has organized today’s Retirement Documentation Seminar to prepare all prospective retirees for the imminent retirement process to ensure the prompt payment of your benefits.

“With retirement approaching, please ensure all pertinent documentation has been submitted by your MDAs, and your personnel files are accurate, as addressing these matters post-retirement may prove challenging,” he said.

A cross section of intending retirees at the event

Speaking at the event, the Head of Service (HoS), Bode Agoro said the aim of the seminar was to equip intending retirees with the right tools to navigate the retirement processes.

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The HoS, who was represented by the Secretary, Lagos Staff Housing Board, Abdulrafiu Fashola said retirement “is not something that comes to us unawares,” urging the participants to quicken the process of getting their retirement benefits by doing the necessary things.

“Your commitment has not only shaped the success of this state, but left lasting impact on the good people of Lagos State. As you reflect on careers achievement, cherish the memories of your accomplishment,” he stated.

He implored the intending retirees to be attentive and take note, as lectures on topical issues would discussed, while charging those still in active service to learn from the experiences, dedication and integrity of the intending retirees.

Also speaking, the Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Babalola Obilana, said the seminar has been organized with the intent of providing intending retirees with valuable information and resources to help make their retirement planning as smooth and fulfilling as possible.

“Retirement is a significant milestone in our lives. It marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It’s a time when we get to reap the rewards of our hard work and dedication, and embark on a new journey of leisure, exploration, and self-discovery.

“Over the next few hours, we will cover a range of topics related to pre-retirement documentation, including financial planning, legal considerations, healthcare etc. We have brought in experts and professionals to guide you through these important aspects and help you make well-informed decisions,” he said.

According to Obilana, retirement could be a time of immense joy and fulfillment and  could also pose challenges, stressing that by planning and documenting their pre-retirement affairs meticulously, they are taking a significant step towards ensuring their retirement years were everything they hoped for.

“Remember, retirement isn’t an end; it’s a new beginning. It’s a time to explore your passions, spend quality time with loved ones, and pursue those dreams you might not have had the time for during your working years,” he added.