•Oluwakemi Garbadeen-Adedeji
The Lagos State Audit Service Commission has held a sensitisation workshop for auditors approaching retirement, as part of measures to prepare public officers for a smooth transition from active service.
The programme took place at the Commission’s conference facility at Ivory Music House in Alausa, Ikeja, and focused on financial planning, pension processing and post-retirement opportunities, reports The PUNCH.
Addressing participants, the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Oluwakemi Garbadeen-Adedeji, said retirement represents “a significant stage in the life of every public servant” and should be approached with proper preparation and the right attitude.
She explained that the initiative was organised to acquaint retiring officers with practical steps and opportunities that could help them remain active and fulfilled after leaving government service.
Garbadeen-Adedeji praised the retiring auditors for what she described as years of service marked by professionalism and dedication, noting that their work had helped reinforce transparency and fiscal accountability within the state’s civil service.
She also commended the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for policies targeted at improving staff welfare and ensuring workers leave service honourably.
The permanent secretary acknowledged the role of the Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, whom she credited with supporting personnel development and training across the public sector.
Earlier in her remarks, the Deputy Director in charge of Discipline and Exit Matters, Oluwole Gloria, urged participants to begin their retirement documentation early to prevent avoidable setbacks during the processing of benefits.
During a presentation at the workshop, facilitator Olaegbe Abdul Akeem advised the outgoing officers to prioritise financial discipline, health management and long-term planning ahead of retirement.
He told participants that retirement should not be viewed as the end of relevance, stressing that it could open doors to business, mentorship and community engagement.
Abdul Akeem also spoke on pension procedures and documentation requirements, urging officers to maintain accurate records and complete necessary processes on time.
The session included interactive discussions and advisory sessions tailored towards helping the retiring auditors adjust successfully to post-service life.
