By: Azeezat Sadiku 

The Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Engr. Olufisan Osiyale, has reaffirmed Government's commitment to the welfare of Local Government retirees through the implementation of Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which took effect from July 2nd, 2025.

Engr. Osiyale gave the assurance during the sensitisation and screening exercise for public Primary School Teachers and Local Government Workers whose retirement dates fall between January 1st, 2026, and December 31st, 2026, at Bureau's office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

He said that the screening exercise was imperative to enable proper verification and documentation of data of the officers retiring between the stated periods.

 "This is in furtherance of the commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun to ensure the prompt consolidation of Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) of officers retiring under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS)".

He noted that the exercise had shown that the present administration was concerned about the welfare and wellbeing of the senior citizens in recognition of their active years in service, assuring of Government’s determination in ensuring a smooth transition into their retirement.

He added that Primary School Teachers and Local Government Workers who retired between 2nd July, 2025 and 31st December, 2025 and yet to appear for the screening were advised to participate, so that their RSAs could be quickly consolidated.

Speaking earlier, Director of Contributory Pension Scheme, Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Mr. Micheal Saanu, said the purpose of the exercise was to get the retirees' accurate data to consolidate their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) with their respective Pension Funds Administrators (PFAs) and to sensitise them on how to take good care of their health after retirement.

Speaking on "healthy living after retirement" Dr. Atinuke Dutse from Oke- ilewo Primary Health Care Centre, advised the retirees not to engage in rigorous activities and high financial risk ventures at this stage, but should rather participate in communal activities so as to avoid loneliness and depression, urging them to eat healthy and be careful if they need to engage in fasting.

In their separate remarks,  Officers from Crusader Pensions and Fidelity Pensions, Mr. Olabode Samson and Mr. Wale Adeniran respectively, enjoined the retirees to submit documents used in processing their retirement benefits on time  including; appointment letter, NIN, birth certificate/ declaration of age, National ID card, BVN and white background photographs.

Some of the participants, Mrs. Esther Soyebi and Mrs. Dorcas Folarin, said the exercise had enlightened them on the gray areas of the CPS, on the benefits of healthy living and prudent financial management.

They thereafter appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for prioritising their welfare and payment of palliatives to retirees who retired between 2nd July, 2025 and 31st December 2025, urging him to continue the good work.