Lagos Government Pays 287 Pensioners N711 Million

• Lagos Government Pays 287 Pensioners N711 Million

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has 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 worthN711million for the month of September.

Speaking at the 43rd batch of the Retirement Benefit Bond Certificate Presentation Ceremony in Lagos, the Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Benson Oke Akintola, who represented the Governor, said the administration is poised to touch every aspect of life.

He said the Governor has embarked on massive infrastructural development in Lagos, and still places great priority on those who hadlaboured 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, adding that 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 family business, which could end up creating jobs for others.

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 under the CPS dispensation.

In appreciation, Adedokun, Michael Oyeleye, a physically impaired retiree amongst others that spoke, said prayed for God to continue to guide and guard Ambode and his team.

“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. It is marvellous in my sight,” he said.In September, LASPEC also released insured death benefit cheques amounting to about N32million to nine beneficiaries/Next of Kin of deceased employees.