The Chairman of the Delta State Local Government Service Commission, Hon.(Pst) Joseph Otirhue, has told staff of the Unified Local Government Service not to panic in the face of retirement as it is not a death sentence.
The Chairman made this comment during the opening ceremony of the 2-day seminar organized by the Commission in collaboration with Universal Investment and Development Company Ltd at the Conference hall of Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat in Asaba.
Speaking during the ceremony, Otirhue, represented by the 3rd member of the Commission, Chief Philomena Ededey, told participants that “Retirement” is a new phase of life, where retirees are given a second chance to life ,therefore adequate preparation with planning is needed adding that, he who fails to plan, plans to fail.
Speaking further, Otirhue said the seminar was part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to prepare the workforce for a smooth and successful transition from active service to retirement whenever the time comes.
He explained that retirement was an inevitable part of every public servant’s career journey but it shouldn’t come with fear and confusion rather, it should be a phase of rest,fulfilment and reward for years of service adding that, the key to achieving this lies in early and adequate preparations.
Furthermore, Otirhue said the seminar is for every officer who wishes to live a stable and productive life after active service therefore, knowledge gained from the training will help officers to make wise decisions about savings,investments, health management and personal development.
While expressing satisfaction for the massive turnout, he told them to pay apt attention to the lectures as many retirees face challenges due to lack of planning therefore the earlier the plans and preparations the better opportunity to enjoy peace of mind when retirement comes.
Otirhue reiterated that, the Commission is deeply committed to the welfare of both staff in the service and retired ones hence the decision to prioritize capacity building programmes to sensitize and empower officers on how to manage their careers, finances and well-being effectively. He added that the Commission’s goal was to produce public servants who retire gracefully and remain useful to themselves, families and the society at large.
The Head of Planning & Strategy of the Consultancy firm, Dr. Timothy Igbinosa who spoke on behalf of the Managing Director during the opening ceremony said, they were pleased to partner with the Commission in training her workforce,he said retirement is a beautiful phase of life if well planned saying ,it is not a death sentence as it gives one the opportunity and time to venture into other areas of interest that seemed unrealistic due to limited time and resources.
He therefore urged the participants to take advantage of the training workshop and start early preparations with planning for a fruitful retirement.
The seminar tagged “Retirement Planning and Management For Nursing Officers in Delta North Senatorial district”of the Delta State Unified Local Government Service, was well attended with seasoned Resource persons who took participants on topics such as “Health and Wellness Management, Payment Options in the Contributory Pensions Scheme and Understanding Death Benefits Management in the Contributory Pensions Scheme amongst others.
