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NIPSS alumni seeks comprehensive post-retirement plan for civil servants
Senior Executives of Course (SEC) 42 2020 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) have called on the Federal Government to develop a comprehensive policy to tackle the post-retirement challenges faced by civil servants.
The Deputy Monitor General, NIPSS SEC 42 2020, Ms Amina Yusuf, made the call during a reunion conference organised by the alumni on Saturday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the SEC 42 2020 reunion’s maiden conference is “Reigniting the Bond and Uplifting the Distinguished”.
Yusuf emphasised the necessity of a government-sponsored initiative, possibly a dedicated ministry, to tackle the multifaceted challenges faced by retirees, including financial, emotional, and social difficulties.
According to her, life after retirement is a real concern, because many civil servants find it difficult to save for the future due to the current economic climate.
“With the kind of economy we are in now, it is hard to survive on a salary, let alone save for retirement or start a business. Civil servants have little time to plan for life after their working years,” she said.
Yusuf, also the organising committee Chairman, underscored the dire challenges confronting retirees, including depression, loneliness, and financial struggles, deemphasising it a critical issue requiring immediate action.
“While youths complain about unemployment, retirees face a range of challenges, from lack of finances to isolation,” she maintained.
Also speaking, the General Monitor of NIPSS SEC 42 2020, Air Commodore Caleb Olayera, expressed his satisfaction with the reunion programme.
Olayera said that the essence was for its to strengthen bonds among members as many of whom were approaching or have entered retirement.
“This reunion is a way to ensure that our members remain connected and well-prepared for retirement,” he said.
Olayera said that SEC 42 2020 members were committed to giving back to society, emphasising that the initiative was part of their effort to foster a better society under the alumni Association of the National Institute.
Also speaking, Mrs. Favour Ugwuanyi, National Welfare Officer of NIPSS SEC 42 2020, offered guidance to young civil servants, encouraging them to balance ambition with diplomacy and caution in their professional growth.
“Be wise and diplomatic in your actions. You might make enemies while in service, which could lead to regrets after retirement,” she warned.
Ugwuanyi reflected on her own journey, saying, “When confronted with situations that may compel you to act against others, remain calm, humble, and strategic, ensuring a peaceful retirement and strong social bonds”
The resource person, Mr Franklyn Ginger-Eke, Founder and Chief Strategist, the Rainbow strategy, who spoke extensively on maintaining health and happiness during retirement illustrated the transformative power of regular physical activity.
Ginger-Eke said that it was necessary to recognise the importance of staying physically active to maintain healthy lifestyle and ensure fitness was a central part of one’s daily routine.
“Daily morning walks in the neighbourhood can improve mood, energy, levels and overall well-being.
“Commitment to regular exercise also helps maintain a healthy weight, manages blood pressure, reduced risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease,”he said.
NAN reports that the NIPSS alumni visited an orphanage home, Abuja Children’s Home at Karu, FCT Abuja where N500,000 was donated to support the less privileged children.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.