The Lagos State Government has organised a pre-retirement sensitisation workshop for 400 officers in the Unified Local Government Service to prepare them for a smooth transition from active service to retirement.

The programme, organised by the Office of Local Government Establishments and Training, was held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, as part of the state’s 2026 retirement preparedness initiatives.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Local Government Establishments and Training, Toyin Ogunlana, described retirement as the beginning of a new phase of life that requires adequate preparation rather than the end of a professional career.

She said the workshop was designed to equip officers nearing retirement with practical knowledge on pension administration, financial planning, healthcare management and other essential areas needed to build a fulfilling life after public service.

Ogunlana noted that many retirees encounter avoidable challenges because they delay retirement planning until the closing years of their careers, stressing the need for workers to begin preparing well in advance.

She added that the training would help participants make informed decisions, achieve financial stability and adjust emotionally to life after leaving the service.

Speaking on the theme, “Retirement Ready: Ensuring a Seamless Transition from Service to Pension,” Ogunlana emphasised the importance of understanding pension processes and developing sustainable post-retirement plans.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Babalola Obilana, represented by the Head of the Technical Department, Morenike Makinde, commended the organisers for sustaining the annual sensitisation programme.

He advised participants to familiarise themselves with the Contributory Pension Scheme, ensure their retirement records are up to date and maintain regular communication with their Pension Fund Administrators to facilitate timely access to their retirement benefits.

The Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Service Commission, Bukonla Durodola, also encouraged the officers to approach retirement with optimism, describing it as another opportunity to remain productive through proper planning and preparation.