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By Vincent Kalu
Security expert and Chairperson of Transworld Security Limited, Dr. Victoria Ekhomu, has advised serving police officers never to see retirement period as time to spend with side chicks.
She urged them not to view retirement as the end of life, rather, they should see it as the beginning of another chapter filled with new opportunities to serve society in different ways.
She stated this at the Gallant Officers’ Recognition and Welfare Initiative, organised by Naija Police&You.
She said: “Every promotion, every savings decision, every investment, every education qualification and every relationship you build contributes to the quality of your retirement.”
Dr Ekhomu lamented that many officers devote decades to protecting others, while forgetting to prepare for their future.
She noted that at retirement, salary stops, monthly income changes, while expenses continue.
While noting four major challenges faced by retirees to include financial adjustment, psychological adjustment, health and family adjustment, she advised police officers to develop multiple legitimate sources of income before retirement, urging them to save consistently and invest wisely.
She equally stated that many officers spend years away from home because of postings and operational demands and urged them to reconnect with their families during retirement. “Retirement means connecting with your families. Build healthy relationships with your spouse, children and community before retirement, not after. Retirement is not the time to spend with a side chick,” she advised.
She recommended 10 practical steps while preparing for a successful retirement, saying, “Develop financial discipline, acquire new skills, build a professional network, plan a second career, maintain integrity, stay relevant through technology, continue serving society, protect your mental health, plan your estate and never stop dreaming.”
She noted that many successful people achieved their greatest accomplishment after retirement. “Your next chapter could become your best chapter,” she added.
She concluded by stating that retirement is not about leaving work. “It is about entering a new season of purpose. Your uniform may eventually come off, but your experience, courage, leadership and service to Nigeria, remain invaluable. The true measure of a successful police career is not only how honourably you served, but how meaningfully to continue to live after service. As you prepare for retirement, prepare not merely to survive but to thrive,” she said.
She congratulated every officer being recognised for their courage, sacrifice and dedication to protecting lives and property.
She equally commended the organisers of the event for investing in the future of the country’s gallant officers.
