By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to a seamless retirement process for civil servants.
Speaking at the 2nd Edition of the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) Executive Prospective Retirees Conference, Mrs. Walson-Jack emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting federal workers throughout their careers and into retirement.
A statement signed by Eno Olotu, Director, Information and Public Relations, disclosed, that the HCSF stated that the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring civil servants remain productive, empowered, and prepared for fulfilling lives after public service.
The conference, a collaboration between the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and the JFK Abiona Consultancy Limited, targeted civil servants on Salary Grade Levels 14–17 within two years of retirement. Mrs. Walson-Jack highlighted the initiative’s alignment with Pillar Six of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP 25), focusing on enhanced staff welfare.
She outlined several pre-retirement programs designed to equip civil servants for post-service such as: Agripreneurship Programme, Business Start-Up and Entrepreneurship Programmes.
Walson-Jack stressed the importance of proactive retirement planning, covering areas like understanding benefits, financial planning, health and wellness, and the “golden rules of retirement.”
The HCSF encouraged retirees to remain active through entrepreneurship, consultancy, volunteering, or other meaningful pursuits, emphasizing that “Retirement is not an end, but a new beginning filled with opportunities.”
She also highlighted government support initiatives for retirees, including affordable housing, health insurance, cooperative societies, and reintegration training.
Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Mrs. Oyekunle Patience Nwakuso in the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, noted the conference’s role within the Federal Civil Service Entrepreneurship Programme, equipping retirees with essential skills for a smooth transition.
She added that the conference covers topics like self-management, blockchaintechnology, and strategic business plan development.
Dr. Comfort Adeosun, Director of Occupational Health and Safety, commended the HCSF’s efforts in implementing robust welfare measures for both serving and retiring civil servants.
Discussions at the 1-Day Retiree Workshop focused on: the Practicality of Retirement, Understanding the Block Chains Economy Technology, Financial Mastery in Retirement and Financial Intelligent in retirement.
Others are Embracing Retirement with Optimism and its Blessings and Thirty (30) Reasons why People Fail in Retirement and How to avert it. Speakers at the event included, FelaDurotoye, Toobore Olumoye, Njideka Adaego Ononuju and Alex Enebeli among others.
