By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The Delta State Head of Service, Dr (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, has urged civil servants to prepare adequately for retirement, stressing that proper knowledge of pension procedures, documentation and post-service opportunities is essential for a smooth and dignified transition from active service.
Oseji spoke in Asaba while declaring open a pre-retirement training programme organised by the Office of the Head of Service for junior and middle-level officers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state, particularly those on Salary Grade Levels 01 to 12.
She said the programme was conceived to address the inadequate preparation and information gaps that often leave retiring officers facing avoidable delays, anxiety and hardship in accessing their pension and other retirement benefits.
According to her, retirement is often perceived negatively, with some workers viewing it as “the end of the road” and others as a period of inactivity, largely because they lack adequate information and preparation for life after active service.
Oseji said experience had shown that many retiring officers lacked sufficient knowledge of retirement procedures and pension documentation, a situation she said had contributed to misinformation, unnecessary delays and hardship among retirees.
She noted that the challenges could be more pronounced among junior and middle-level officers on Salary Grade Levels 01–12 because of their relatively modest earnings, particularly in the face of prevailing economic realities.
She said the training was therefore structured to provide participants with practical knowledge on retirement procedures, pension documentation, protection of entitlements and preparations for life after government service.
Oseji attributed the commencement of the programme to the support and approval of the state government, commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his commitment to the welfare of civil servants under the administration’s MORE agenda.
“A dream come true of this nature is only possible with the relevant approval,” she said.
The Head of Service thanked the governor “for listening to the plight of civil servants in the state” and for approving initiatives aimed at improving their welfare.
“His unwavering dedication to the welfare of civil servants is both inspiring and commendable. We are grateful, Sir,” she added.
Oseji congratulated the participants and urged them to take full advantage of the training, saying the knowledge acquired would help them navigate the transition from active service with greater confidence and preparedness.
She encouraged the participants to see retirement not as an end to their usefulness but as a transition into another phase of life that could provide opportunities for personal development and continued contribution to society.
The Head of Service also challenged the participants to share their knowledge and experience with younger officers, stressing that the benefits of the programme should extend beyond the individual participants to the broader civil service.
She said the initiative was aimed at promoting a culture of excellence, innovation and improved service delivery within the Delta State Civil Service.
The training featured presentations by experienced public servants and professionals on key issues relating to retirement, pension administration and the rights of retiring officers.
A session titled “Overview of Retirement Policy and Procedures,” delivered on behalf of retired Head of Service, Sir Okey Ofili, examined the meaning and types of retirement and provided guidance on relevant retirement procedures.
A retired Permanent Secretary, Chief Ben Okonta, spoke on “Common Challenges in Pension Administration and Possible Solutions,” focusing on some of the difficulties retirees encounter in accessing their benefits and possible measures for addressing administrative delays.
The Permanent Secretary, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Omamuzo Erebe (SAN), delivered a lecture on “Rights and Responsibilities of Retiring Officers.”
The presentation addressed the legal rights and responsibilities of officers as they approach retirement and during the process of exiting active service.
Another key session, “Verification of Service Records, Computation of Pensions and Gratuity,” was delivered by Pastor Godfrey Ofueneme.
The session highlighted the importance of accurate service records and provided participants with information on the verification process and computation of pension and gratuity entitlements.
The programme brought together resource persons, relevant government officials and junior and middle-level civil servants from various MDAs across Delta State.
The initiative represents an effort by the Office of the Head of Service to strengthen pre-retirement sensitisation and ensure that officers, particularly those on Salary Grade Levels 01–12, are better informed and adequately prepared for a smooth, informed and dignified transition from active government service.
Oseji formally declared the training open and urged participants to maximise the opportunity.
