LAGOS State government is planning an enlightenment seminar for the workers of the state who are billed to retire in year 2012.

The Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission,  LASPEC, Mr. Adekunle Hussain who revealed this recently disclosed that it was part of efforts by the state government to keep retirees well informed about retirement.

According to him, the state pension commission would organise the seminar in conjunction with stakeholders in the pension industry, most especially, Pension Fund Administrators and insurance sectors.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer, LASPEC, Mr. Taofeek Lawal, said the seminar would help to sensitise workers, who are retiring between January and June, this year from the core civil service, State Universal Basic Education Board, parastatals and local government service.

Mr Hussain said that the idea behind the seminar came from the observation that despite the level of enlightenment and awareness programmes by the commission, some workers were not conversant with the operation of the contributory pension scheme.

He added that planning for retirement would enable workers to be in a better position to build a vibrant and rewarding life in retirement.

He however highlighted that issues to be discussed at the seminar would include the procedure for processing of the retirement bond for past service benefit; how to ensure that retiree’s Retirement Savings Account is up to date with payment of their contributions; The two exit options of either programmed withdrawal by the PFA or annuity for life by an insurance company, healthy living at retirement and how to make good investment decisions.

He said that the main objective of the seminar would be to help workers come to terms with new life in retirement, while leaving behind the usual daily routine of work.

According to him, “preparation is key, our pre-retirement programme has been designed to help workers prepare for their physical, emotional and financial well-being in retirement.”