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By Maduka Nweke
“Retirement isn’t retreat. Stand on your feet. You still have much to offer”.
That was the charge of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore to retiring officials.
The advice explains the reason the ministry initiated a pre-retirement training programme designed to help its retiring officers navigate the transition from public service into a purposeful and productive post-career life.
Opening the two-day capacity-building session, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, urged participants to view retirement not as an end to relevance but as the beginning of a new phase of impact.
Belgore described retirement as a strategic redirection of a lifetime of experience into fresh opportunities, enterprise, and continued service to society.
He encouraged the participants to approach the programme with enthusiasm and curiosity, urging them to actively engage with facilitators, ask probing questions, and exchange experiences with colleagues in order to maximise the benefits of the training.
The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Director of Human Resource Management, Ademola Ayodele, said the gathering symbolised more than the close of distinguished careers; it marked the opening of a new chapter filled with possibilities for personal growth, innovation and renewed purpose.
According to him, the training was deliberately structured to equip the retiring officers with practical knowledge, financial management strategies and the right mindset needed to thrive outside the formal structures of government service.
Welcoming the retiring officers, facilitators and other participants on behalf of the Honourable Minister, Belgore expressed deep appreciation for the invaluable contributions the officers had made to the ministry over the years.
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He noted that their dedication, professionalism and institutional knowledge had played a vital role in shaping policies, programmes and projects that continue to advance housing and urban development across the country.
“Your years of service have left an enduring imprint on the ministry,” he said. “You have helped shape policies, projects and programmes that continue to impact communities across our nation.”
Belgore further stressed that the ministry remains committed to supporting its workforce not only during their active years of service but also as they transition into retirement.
He added that the pre-retirement programme reflects the ministry’s broader commitment to ensuring that its officers step into the next stage of their lives equipped with the tools, confidence and vision needed to remain productive contributors to society.
For many of the participants, the training offers both reflection and renewal. an opportunity to convert decades of public service experience into new ventures, mentorship roles and community leadership in the years ahead.
Belgore urged participants to actively engage in the sessions, ask questions, share experiences, and take full advantage of the resource persons assembled for the programme. “I wish every one of you a productive and rewarding training session, as well as a fulfilling and prosperous life beyond active service”, He said.
In his welcome address, the director department of Human Resource Management, Ayodele Ademola, informed that the program would cover key areas such as financial planning, health and wellness, psychological readiness, and entrepreneurship, among others. He encouraged the participants to actively, ask questions, and share experiences as the platform was designed for their benefit. Ademola further thanked the participants for their service, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment, expressing gratitude to the facilitators for making themselves available for the training. The training featured interactive sessions where facilitators delivered presentations and provided practical insights on key areas essential for post-service success.
While delivering his paper titled “Perspectives in Retirement,” the first facilitator, Mr. Fashina Kayode, urged participants to identify and develop their innate skills as a foundation for a productive retirement. He emphasised that carefully harnessed skills can enhance financial stability and long-term sustainability.
Kayode outlined four pillars of retirement to include; Financial Security, Health and Wellness, Purpose and Engagement, Social Connection.
Highlighting common challenges such as financial uncertainty, health concerns, social isolation, and difficulty adjusting to a less structured lifestyle, he noted that adherence to these pillars would enable retirees to enjoy a meaningful and rewarding post-service life.
Another facilitator, Mr. Francis Olorunfemi, delivered a lecture titled “Retirement in the public service: The uncertainties, the fears and the need for future plans”, where He focused on the theme of uncertainty, explaining that it is a natural part of retirement and may arise in areas such as business ventures, pension administration, and personal relationships. He stressed the importance of cultivating a positive mindset, noting that resilience and adaptability are crucial to maintaining a healthy and fulfilling retirement.
In his contribution, Director of the department of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Peter Osondu, advocated for reforms within the civil service, particularly in strengthening remuneration packages beyond their current levels. Osondu stressed that no amount of training can fully offset financial limitations if post-retirement earnings remain insufficient, underscoring the need for broader structural improvements to enhance retirees’ financial security.
While encouraging participants to establish viable businesses, he advised them to invest only in ventures they understand and can personally supervise, warning that lack of oversight often leads to financial loss. On health and wellness of retirees, a medical facilitator Mr. Adeose P. J, urged participants to adopt routine medical check-ups, maintain physical fitness through daily exercise and stretching, and develop financial plans to address potential health challenges. He further emphasised the importance of mental health in retirement, recommending engagement in hobbies, continuous learning, volunteering, and social activities as essential strategies for maintaining psychological well-being.
