Kogi HOS Office Partners Albarka Cooperative to Train Civil Servants on Fruitful Retirement*

By: Aishat Ohunene Yusuf

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening post-service welfare and promoting a culture of proactive retirement planning among public servants, the Office of the Head of Civil Service, Kogi State, in collaboration with Albarka Multipurpose Cooperative Thrift and Credit Union, organized a comprehensive one-day training seminar on “Fruitful Retirement.” The initiative, which drew participants from across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, was designed to equip workers with the requisite knowledge, financial insight and practical tools needed to transition confidently from active service into a stable, productive and fulfilling retirement.

The Head of Civil Service, Hajiya Falilat Yusuf Musa Esq, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment and Training, Mr. Abimbola Ajibade emphasized the importance of early and deliberate preparation for retirement. She noted that retirement should not be viewed as the end of active life, but as a transition into a new phase that can be productive and fulfilling when properly planned.

She commended Albarka Multipurpose Cooperative for partnering with the Office to deliver the initiative, describing the seminar as timely and impactful. She further urged public servants to embrace financial discipline, invest wisely, and take advantage of cooperative platforms to secure their future beyond active service.

The seminar featured two key lectures delivered by seasoned facilitators. The first lecture, titled “Preparing Well for Retirement: Challenges and Solutions,” was presented by Ambassador Enimola O. Martins, who highlighted common retirement challenges and practical strategies for overcoming them.

The second lecture, “Financial Planning and Management in Retirement,” was delivered by Mallam S.O. Muhammed, who underscored the importance of prudent financial management, savings culture, and strategic investments in ensuring financial stability after service.
Participants at the seminar were equipped with practical knowledge and tools to enable them plan effectively and achieve a stable and rewarding life after retirement.

In a vote of thanks given by the Permanent secretary Research, Evaluation and Policy Analysis (REPA), Elder Sunday Odeh who equally represented the Head of Service thanked the management of the co-operative for the insightful lectures and urged the participants to take full advantage of saving for a fruitful future.

Information Officer, OHOCS