Rivers
PAL Pensions Sensitises Retirees On Industry Reforms
Pensions Alliance Limited, popularly known as PAL Pensions, says it seeks to keep its customers abreast with reforms in the industry.
Speaking at a forum it organised for retirees in Port Harcourt, the Acting Regional Manager, PAL Pensions, covering South-South, Mrs. Millicent Hogan, thanked the participants, saying the forum also seeks to keep close relationship with the retirees.
She said with over 75,000 retiree customers since inception, PAL Pensions has been noted for good customer relationship amd prompt processing of retiree pensions, including lump sum.
“In 2022, it has been on record that Pensions Alliance Limited paid not less than 15,000 clients worth over N13 billion, and total amount paid since inception is over N111 billion”, she said, stressing that its robust system has afforded its customers easy access to their account via mobile applications and chat bots.
Also speaking at the event, a Unit Head in PAL Pensions, Mr. Emmanuel Chiboka explained that PAL Pensions is regulated by National Pensions Commission (PENCOM) and retiree funds are also invested in accordance with PENCOM stipulated guidelines.
Aside slashing its administrative fees with the view to giving more to its customers, he said PAL Pensions has dedicated Account Officers assigned to all its customers.
While on the industry updates, Mr. Chiboka explained that the multi-fund framework is aimed at aligning the age and risk profile of retirement savings account (RSA) holders by dividing the RSA fund into six fund types.
He further said Fund IV is for retirees, adding that the flexibility of the structure enables active customers to switch, depending on their risk appetite or preferred PFAs.
In terms of transfer windows, he said PENCOM has made it possible for account holders to switch from one Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) to another, and would still maintain the same pin number, which served as an open window for account holders from other PFAs to join in their pool and enjoy its high returns on investment.
In addition, Mr. Chiboka explained the difference between programmed withdrawal and annuity, stressing that pension fund administrators offer programmed withdrawal to its customers.
This, he said, “is because retirees cannot only negotiate their payment package of choice, but would enjoy lumpsum payment, review monthly pensions, monitor retirement savings account balances, as well as transfer pension balances to beneficiaries in the case of the demise of the customer”.
He stated further that why programmed withdrawal is irresistible to retiree customers is that it “operates for as long as the RSA balance can accommodate.
“Even when the balance in the account is depleted, funds are placed with Pension fund custodian (PFC) and are unaccessible to pension fund administrators (PFA) and the PFCs invest only with the instructions from their PFAs”.
He reiterated that PAL Pensions’ coverage include full access payment, comprising programmed withdrawal, enbloc, medical grounds etc; temporary access of 25% Iumpsum, additional voluntary contributon (AVC), death benefits, legacy funds and NSITF; State refunds, gratuity payments and micro pensions to incorporate those in the informal sectors.
While fielding questions from the audience, he assured them of the transparency of the firm, saying that customers can monitor their retirement savings account balances through multiple channels of engagements, adding that retirees can decide if their pensions should be paid on monthly or quaterly basis.
The event, which had retirees fill the hall to its capacity, also had health professionals to engage them on the need for proper and constant checkups so as to be in good health in order to enjoy their pensions.
Representing Hygeia Health Management Organization at the event, Dr. Odum Chindimma Obinna stressed that at retirement age, health should be properly taken care of, noting that “old age comes with a lot of diseases and early detection could help health professionals to manage such situations”.
While narrating his experience as a retiree, Mr. Udeme Ekong testified that he had gotten this lumpsum payment after retirement and is constantly receiving his monthly pension. He added that his funds keep growing from accumulated interest and his
pension fund administrator is always swift at his call, recounting that he was even invited by PENCOM for reviews.
Others praised PAL Pensions for keeping close contact with their customers, especially retirees, urging that forums of such should be organized more frequently.
Rivers
450 Varsity Admins Undergo Specialised Training On Nigeria’s Higher Education
The Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA) has announced the training of 450 members across the country as part of its ongoing efforts to improve administrative standards in Nigerian universities.
Chairman of the ANUPA branch at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Dr. Don Aalonee, made this known in Port Harcourt, Monday, during a two-day training session for members of the Association.
The theme of the training is, ‘’University Administration: Leveraging Technology and Innovation for Excellence.’’
Aalonee explained that ANUPA organised the training to ensure that administrative officers in the nation’s universities were equipped with up-to-date technological and innovative competencies to enhance their effectiveness.
He expressed confidence that regular capacity building for professional administrators in universities across the country would significantly contribute to the advancement of tertiary education in Nigeria.
“This training is designed to equip members with the relevant knowledge and skills to improve their performance.
“We deliberately selected topics such as Emotional Intelligence, Coaching and Mentorship, Student-Centred Administration, and Collaborative Leadership, in response to the demands of the present times”, he stated.
Other areas of training include Understanding the Role of Administrators in University Governance and Decision-making and Strategies to Sustaining Momentum and Overcoming Resistance to Change.
Aalonee emphasised that many junior administrators in tertiary institutions were yet to fully grasp the workings of the university system due to lack of coaching and mentorship.
“These junior administrators often feel disconnected from the system because their senior counterparts failed to invest in the training of those coming behind them.
“We aim to use this workshop to bridge the gap between the older and younger generations, enabling mentorship that supports mutual growth.
“ANUPA is committed to achieving this, so that when the older generation of administrators retires, they can confidently hand over to capable successors”, he said.
The union Chairman disclosed that about 450 members and delegates from 11 public and private universities were expected to participate in the programme.
He named participating universities to include UNIPORT; Bayero University, Kano; Abubakar Tafawa Belewa University, Bauchi; and Osun State University, Osogbo.
Other participating universities are the Federal University of Technology, Owerri; Bowen University, Osun; and the Nigerian Maritime University, Delta.
Aalonee noted that ANUPA had assembled leading local and international experts to serve as resource persons for the training, including current and former registrars from universities across the country.
The Vice Chancellor of University of Port-Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, said “the world is undergoing rapid transformation, requiring workers to adapt to the evolving global landscape”.
He noted that university administration was equally progressing towards digital transformation, artificial intelligence, global interconnectedness, and emerging model teaching, learning and research.
“Therefore, for university administrators to remain relevant and effective, they must cultivate a mindset that embraces technology, continuous innovation, and adaptive leadership”, he said.
Georgewill commended ANUPA for its vital role in advancing professional development of university administrators through strategic training and capacity building initiatives.
The Director of Student Experience at Cranfield University, United Kingdom, Ms. Alison Whaley, delivered a virtual session on coaching and mentorship.
In her presentation, she affirmed that administrators play a pivotal role in the success of any university.
Whaley stated that the role of a mentor was to assist mentees in developing insight from multiple perspectives, encouraging critical thinking and a developmental mindset.
According to her, mentors and coaches must be willing to devote time, possess leadership qualities, and practice active listening to impact their knowledge and guidance effectively.
Wokoma Emmanuel & Theresa Frederick
Rivers
Normalcy Returns In Ekpeye Kingdom After Protest
Normalcy is said to have returned to parts of Ekpeye Kingdom following a tense standoff between local youth bodies and Power Gas Limited.
A statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations Unit of the Palace of the Eze Ekpeye logbo III, Anamoji B. Felix in Port Harcourt, said the early intervention of His Imperial Majesty, Eze Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo saved the situation.
According to the statement, the protest was spearheaded by youths from Ogbele, Oshiugbokor, and Obumeze communities under the umbrella of the Ekpeye Youth Congress (EYC), which accused Power Gas Limited of marginalisation and failing to maintain a harmonious relationship with the host communities.
But the statement revealed that the timely response of the Monarch, nailed the situation.
The protesters alleged that the company had not initiated or executed any meaningful development projects in the area, despite years of operation within Ekpeye land.
Speaking during a reconciliatory meeting convened at the palace of the Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, the President General of the Ekpeye Youth Congress, Senior Comrade Justice Ewoh, lamented what he described as collective frustration of the youths.
“Power Gas Limited has failed to take our people seriously. For too long, they have neglected their responsibilities to the communities that host them. We demand inclusivity, development, and respect”, he said.
The impasse took a turning point when His Imperial Majesty stepped in and called for dialogue and mutual understanding between the parties.
According to the statement, the Royal Father urged both parties to commit to a constructive path and warned that continued tension could hinder both community development and business operations.
“Our strength lies in unity and dialogue. Ekpeye land must not be a place of conflict but of progress. We must demand accountability respectfully and ensure companies working in our land do not take our hospitality for granted”, he said.
Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada, CSP Chukwuma, has appreciated the youths of Ekpeye for conducting themselves responsibly and advised the company to expedite actions to swiftly address the issues raised by the youth congress.
Earlier at the deliberation, the company, through its Community Affairs Unit, denied all allegations levelled against it, saying that “no company in Ekpeye Kingdom has hired more Ekpeye youths than us”.
The company’s delegation, however, pleaded for more time to enable them relate to the top management of the organisation to address the situation.
King Onunwor
Rivers
Rivers SOLAD Urges Traditional Rulers To Protect Govt Facilities
The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has urged traditional rulers to take deliberate steps in securing government facilities within their domains.
Ibas made this appeal during the combined 121st and 122nd quarterly meeting of the State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt, recently.
He said the meeting highlighted the need for unity and collaboration between government and traditional institutions to tackle state challenges.
The sole administrator emphasised the crucial role traditional rulers play in peacebuilding and called for joint efforts to address community issues.
He stressed the importance of securing government facilities from theft and vandalism and warned against protecting rulers involved in unrest.
Ibas assured traditional rulers of his commitment to partnering with them to improve the state’s prosperity and wellbeing.
The Chairman of the Rivers Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Chike Worlu-Wodo, praised Ibas for promoting peace and development in the State.
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