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Chuks Udo Okonta
The Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, has once again fulfilled his pledge to make life better for retirees, as another batch of 287 retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) received into their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) accrued pension rights of N711 million for the month of September, 2017.
Speaking at the 43rd batch of the Retirement Benefit Bond Certificate Presentation Ceremony held on Friday, 29th September, in Ikeja, the Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Benson Oke Akintola, who represented the Governor, said this administration is poised to touch every aspect of life. He said the Governor has embarked on massive infrastructural development in Lagos. However, he still places great priority on those who have laboured for the State and have now retired. “He understands the challenges facing a retiree and that receipt of pension dues will enable them face the future.”
He said there are other goodies in the pipeline the Governor is looking at concerning their comfort.
The Director- General, Lagos state Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mrs. Folashade Onanuga advised the pensioners to spend 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 pension for your basic needs and make sure you eat well and in moderation”
She noted that the current economic challenges have affected the ability of youths to gain employment. In essence, many youths who should be taking care of themselves and their parents are still dependent on them. She advised the retirees to consider using the lump sum received to empower any resourceful child to start a familybusiness which could end up creating jobs for others.
Mrs. Onanuga also used the medium to educate the retirees who needed clarifications on different pension related subjects ranging from apportionment of benefits emanating from service in other States to computation of lump sum and pension received in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) dispensation.
In appreciation, Adedokun, Michael Oyeleye, a physically impaired retiree amongst others that spoke said that he did not know how to pray for Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and his team than to tell God to continue to guide and guard them. “Lagos state has really tried for us Pensioners. I did not go through any stress before I was called to collect my Pension. I am really impressed with Lagos state and this Administration. I know what obtains in other States concerning payment of pensions. Ha! It is marvellous in my sight,” he said.
The Agency in the month of September also released Insured death benefit cheques amounting to about N32 million to nine beneficiaries/Next of Kin of deceased employees.
