Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, LASUBEB, has advised its staff who are due for retirement in the next couple of years to start planning for their retirement and familiarise themselves with different types of benefits in order to make informed decisions.

Its Chairman, Wahab Alawiye-King gave the advice at a sensitisation programme on the contributory pension scheme for the year 2021 and year 2022 intending retirees organised by LASUBEB on Wednesday at Maryland, Lagos.

Alawiye-King said the sensitisation programme was aimed at enlightening prospective retirees on the implications of laws and regulations associated with the Contributory Pensions Scheme and other relevant laws while they begin to prepare for life in retirement.

He spoke through Permanent Board member of the Board, Dr. Hakeem Shittu expressing the view that uninteresting and pitiable lifestyles in retirement could be avoided if public officers pay attention to some basic principles that guide their finances and pensions management before exiting from the service.

He affirmed that government remained committed to fulfilling its own part of the financial commitment to all its workforce, stressing that the government will not neglect the welfare of its employees who had sacrificed the prime of their active years to the service of the State.

According to the Chairman, government does not want its retirees to face uncertainties in retirement, stressing that the programme was organised to enable retirees to effectively cope in retirement.

While expressing optimism that the participants would be better equipped with relevant information for a stress-free and enjoyable retirement, Alawiye-King implored them to stay away from unfamiliar business ventures in retirement and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

In her remarks, the Director-General of Lagos State Pensions Commission, Folashade Onanuga spoke on developments in Lagos State Pensions matters, advising the intending retirees to be prudent and disciplined with their funds while devoting time to monitor their respective PFA statement of accounts and other retirement-related documentation.

She assured that government would eventually clear all the outstanding backlog of pension entitlements and pay accrued pension rights, reiterating that the commission would continue to ensure that public service retirees get their statutory dues and also receive the support that will add value to their lives in retirement.