Enugu state Local Government Service Commission has commenced a series of Pre- retirement training workshops for local government staff in Enugu State under the theme “Transitioning to Retirement: Empowering Local Government Staff for a Fulfilling Post –Service Life”

The Chairman LGSC Enugu State, Prof Osy Okanya in his opening remarks noted that the workshop is designed to equip local government staff nearing retirement or retired in the last two months with essential skills, knowledge, and resources to ensure a smooth transition to post-service life.

According to him, “what the commission is doing in holding this workshop is to complement the wonderful and impactful transformation His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, Barr, Peter Mbah has undertaken in the past one year to change pension administration in the Local Government System.

Prof Okanya noted that “before now, retirees in the Local Government System had to wait for two years before enrollment in the pension scheme, in addition to an epileptic payment of the pension at an interval of two to three months.” But “now, with the completion of the verification exercise, retirees are expected to transit automatically to the pension scheme as it is done in the civil service of the state.” He intoned that the retirees have a lot to be thankful to the Governor.

From the outline of modules designed for the workshop, the following will be crystallized during the workshop, which commenced on Tuesday, 5th November 2024 at the Local Government Commission Hall:
1. Retirement Planning and Management
2. Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation
3. Health and Wellness in Retirement
4. Personal Development and Skill Enhancement
5. Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
6. Social Security and Pension Administration
7. Estate Planning and Succession Management
8. Psychological Adjustment to Retirement
9. Technology and Digital Literacy
10. Networking and Building Relationships

The Commission engaged about six experts who are Retirement planning experts, Financial advisors, Health and wellness specialists, Entrepreneurship coaches, Psychologists. It is expected that apart from presentations, there will be panel discussions with retirees, one-on-one coaching sessions, interactive group discussions, and case study and group exercises.

The over three hundred Participants who expressed enthusiasm and optimism on the outcomes of the workshops which include amongst others enhanced understanding of retirement benefits and entitlements, effective retirement planning and financial management, improved physical and mental well-being, acquisition of new skills for personal development and entrepreneurship, stronger social connections and support networks, reduced anxiety and stress related to retirement, and increased confidence in navigating post-service life, promised to be attentive throughout the workshops.