Relief, as LASG pays 287 retirees N711m

The Lagos State Government has confirmed payment of N711million into the Retirement Savings Accounts of 287 retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme in September.

The Lagos State Pension Commission made this known through a statement, stating that it was part of the fulfillment of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode’s pledge to make life better for retirees of the state government.

While speaking at the 43rd batch of the retirement benefit bond certificate presentation ceremony, the Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mr. Benson Oke Akintola, who represented the governor, said the administration was determined to touch every aspect of the pensioners’ life.

He said the state had embarked on massive infrastructure development and placed priority on those who laboured for the state before they retired.

“He understands the challenges facing a retiree and that the receipt of the pension dues will enable them face the future,” he said.
The Director- General, LASPEC, Mrs. Folashade Onanuga, advised the pensioners to spend the funds wisely.

She said, “You are in the evening time of your life; make sure you rest well, and do not do anything that will aggravate your health status. Use your pensions for your basic needs and make sure you eat well and in moderation.”

Onanuga, who noted that the current economic challenges had affected the ability of youths to gain employment, said many youths who should be taking care of themselves and their parents were still depending on them.

She advised the retirees to consider using the lump sum received to empower any resourceful child to start a family business, which could end up creating jobs for other people.

Meanwhile, the state government has reiterated it’s commitment towards ‎a modernized civil service sector for optimal performance in the state by organising a two-day staff retreat for its senior and junior cadre, through the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, the Lagos State Commissioner for Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Dr. Lola Akande,

while declaring the retreat opened, pointed that the retreat is in line with the state government efforts at actualising the various reforms on-going in the State through a dynamic workforce that is efficient and result oriented.

According to her, the retreat is a strategic tool for the enhancement of employee performance and in line with the Ministry‘s Mission of ”Women Development and Poverty Reduction as a Means to attaining Sustainable Growth through efficient and Prompt Service Delivery,” she said.

Akande noted that the objective of the retreat is to create to create opportunity in enhancing efficiency and better performance. “As a Ministry, we are resolved to work harder to drastically reduce poverty and hunger in the State;

combat inequalities amongst women, build peaceful, just and inclusive societies; promote gender equality and protect rights of women as well as their empowerment.