BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR--Poised to remain true to the welfare of retirees in Lagos, the Lagos State Government has paid a total of N1.01 billion to 358 retirees.
Disclosing this at the Retirement Bond Certificates Presentation to the 84th batch of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) retirees held in Lagos, the Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commision ( LASPEC ) Babalola Obilana, noted that the fund has been transferred by the state to the retirees various Pension Find Administrators (PFA’s) who have confirmed receipt and would begin disbursement within a couple of days .
The LASPEC boss said Lagos state has been consistent with its leadership role in the implementation of the CPS in line with the provision of the Lagos State Pension Reform Law of March 19,2007 now amended.
He added that the event was organized to celebrate the elder statesmen who had laboured in the State’s Public Service and also to present them their retirement benefit bond certificates .
The bond certificates, according to him shows the accrued rights due to the retirees for the years spent in the service of Lagos state under the discountinued Defined Benefit Scheme .
“You have worked for 35 years and by God’s grace ,you will not spend your money on illness.
“Please take very good care of yourself, as health is wealth and the Coronavirus is still very much around.
“Desist also from unimportant spending and beware of pension fraudsters ,” Obilana advised.
He hinted that the state government was also working on modalities for the implementation of the Health Insurance for the pensioners, which is expected to tentatively kick-start before the end of the year.
Obilana commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to the efficient and effective administration of the CPS in the state .
He further said that the effort of the governor has culminated to the regular issuance of the retirement benefit bond certificates to the retirees.
He appreciated the unflinching support of the Commisioner for Establishment, Training and Pension, the state’s approved PFA’s and the insurance companies for their efforts at ensuring that all retirees have unrestrained access to their benefits.
