The Oyo State Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Professor Salihu Adelabu, has called for strategic collaboration between the ministry and the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) to organize training programmes aimed at equipping retirees with financial management skills.
Professor Adelabu made the call during an interview with Pensioners FM shortly after featuring on the station’s weekly Yoruba programme, Isinmidun, which profiles senior citizens.
He explained that the proposed initiative is designed to educate pensioners on effective ways to manage and utilize their gratuities and pensions to ensure a stable and stress-free retirement.
The Commissioner expressed concern that many retirees lack adequate financial literacy, leading to poor investment decisions and mismanagement of their post-service benefits, often resulting in financial hardship and regret.
He advised pensioners to channel part of their entitlements into acquiring knowledge and practical skills that would enable them to manage their resources prudently for sustainable living.
Addressing complaints about delays in gratuity payments, Professor Adelabu stated that there is no need for lobbying or bargaining, as all payments are processed officially and transparently in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s directives.
He urged pensioners to ensure proper documentation to prevent avoidable delays and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to timely and seamless payment of retirees’ entitlements.
