Prospective retirees among primary school teachers and local government staff have been strongly advised against using intermediaries, agents, or touts for processing their retirement benefits. This caution was issued by Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, Chairman of the Local Government Staff Pension Board (LGSPB), during a two-day sensitization training program.
The training, held in Oyo and Ogbomoso zones, was aimed at employees due to retire between July and December 2024. It is part of a broader initiative that was launched by the State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, on July 15, 2024, at the House of Chiefs Parliament Building in Ibadan.
Hon. Ige emphasized the risks associated with using unofficial agents, including the potential for deceit and financial extortion. This problem has necessitated the organization of sensitization programs across Oyo State’s seven geopolitical zones to educate prospective retirees on the correct procedures for processing their benefits and to avoid exploitation.
In his opening remarks, Alhaji Lukman Akinola Muraina, Permanent Secretary of the LGSPB, noted that this training is the first of its kind. It aims to ensure a smooth and efficient process for those retiring between July and December 2024.
The program featured experienced speakers who covered various topics, including the roles of agencies involved in retirement benefit processing, existing pension administration laws and regulations, and strategies for transitioning to retirement life.
Representing the training beneficiaries, Mr. Yemi Olona and Mr. Gbadamosi Animashaun expressed their appreciation to the LGSPB, describing the program as highly informative and beneficial.
Dignitaries attending the training included Alhaji Siju Lawal, Special Adviser to the Governor on Establishment and Training; Hon. Seyi Bolanle, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism; Hon. Akin Alawode, Special Assistant to the Governor on Oyo Federal Constituency; as well as PDP party leaders, top officials from SUBEB, LGSPB, the Auditor General for Local Government, and executives from NULGE, NUT, NUP, and AOPSHON.
