Lagos, July 9, 2025
The Lagos State Government has initiated a quarterly training programme to equip retiring and retired civil servants with entrepreneurial and vocational skills aimed at boosting their financial independence and well-being after public service.
At the closing ceremony of a two-day Skills Acquisition Programme in Lagos, Head of Service Hakeem Muri-Okunola, represented by Permanent Secretary Samson Ajibade, highlighted the programme’s importance. He noted it offers social and economic relief, reduces emotional and physical stress in retirement, and helps retirees generate extra income and stay productive. The session trained 50 participants in skills such as Auto-Ge̩le and gift packaging, ensuring retirees can maintain healthy and active lifestyles in their golden years.
Also included in the initiative were fish farming workshops, where retirees received start-up kits, fish tanks, feeds, fingerlings, and learned how to run profitable aquaculture businesses. The Post Service Department, led by Mrs. Bukola Durodola, stressed that such programmes enhance retirees’ quality of life and mental health by keeping them engaged.
Since its launch, the quarterly initiative has empowered a total of 733 retirees with diverse vocational skills, with many going on to start businesses and even hire staff, reinforcing its financial impact.
