RETIREMENT IN SPOTLIGHT AT NEGF 9TH ANNIVERSARY LECTURE

Programme convener, Olamilekan Adisa making his presentation at the event.

Story by Dili Utomi

The main hall of the Presken Hotel at Alade Street, Ikeja on Saturday hosted the 9th anniversary lecture and awards by the Nigerian Economic Growth Movement (NEGF) convened by Maritime Journalist, Olamilekan Adisa. The event had the theme: Life After Retirement: Sustainability Challenges And Prospects.

Mr Adisa had used the opening speech to speak about the chosen topic. He noted that “Whether you are a civil servant, a military or para-military officer, a business owner, a trader, a professional or a politician – there must be a life after work. We must all retire in one way or the other. Either by age, by service years, by health or by choice”.

Mr. Oluwaseyi Adeyemo Adegoke, the keynote speaker making his presentation at the event.

He added that the aim of the lecture was to enlighten all that retirement is not the end of life, but the beginning of another phase of life. He warned that everyone must plan for retirement while still strong, healthy and active. “We must invest in our health, our finances, our family and our future. He concluded.

Goodwill messages were also delivered. A representative of one of the sponsoring entities in his message noted the “one who has not planned for retirement will have many challenges, hence the great relevance of the topic of the day”. He added that he will take the ideas from the lecture back to be used in his company’s operation.

One of the participants was Assistant Commander of Narcotics, Henry Chidi of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), he said that drug use is not just health challenges, but also cause the stunting of economic growth as able bodied persons are rendered useless by drug use. He added that the NDLEA is always eager to partner with organisations that help to address the challenges of drug use and abuse which affect productivity.

NDLEA’s Henry Chidi making his presentation at the event.

Biyi Omidiji is the representative of the Lekki Port Manager, Nigeria Ports Authority. He congratulated the organisers of the lecture, but asked the rhetorical question about what retirees must do to be able to sustain their lifestyles at retirement.

The keynote speaker of the day was Oluwaseyi Adeyemo Adegoke, a retired Customs Officer and journalist of note. He spoke extensively about the need for one to prepare for retirement. He said “Whoever you are and whatever your profession, know that whatever has a beginning must ultimately have an end. One should start preparing for retirement immediately after appointment”.

Biyi Omidiji receiving an award on behalf of his boss, Emmanuel Anda of the Lekki Port.

Mr. Adegoke advised that “One should always cultivate the habit of saving, no matter how little”. He said that there are different levels of savings, but that everyone can save .

His words “You can also invest in any kind of business that you have a comparative advantage. Make sure that you have a business plan, acquire knowledge by training yourself, spend time with people with the right knowledge that add value to your life as this is very necessary while preparing for life after regular work”.

Some participants receiving awards an award at the event.

Mr. Adegoke also advised that one should have a mentor, a real network and also a mentee, work hard, save some money and plan for retirement. Speaking on a broader term, he also advised that employers of labour should also endeavour to have a good pension and retirement scheme in place for workers as this will act as great impetus for other workers to put in their best and ultimately increase productivity and profitability.

A cross section of participants at the event.

Some participants at the event agreed that it was a richly rewarding experience and that some of the things learned at the lecture will form part of things in their bucket lists.

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