…Council Manager Urges Retirees To Prioritize Health, Wise Use Of Pensions.
Emmanuel Ikpeama
Ikeja— Ikeja Local Government has celebrated 13 retirees who completed between 30 and 35 years of meritorious service, with the administration of Executive Chairman, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), pledging continued support for both serving and retired staff. 
The send-forth ceremony, held as the grand finale of the council’s one-year anniversary activities, was described as a celebration of dedication, sacrifice and contributions to the growth of the local government.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Secretary to the Local Government Chairman,Prince Adeyinka illo said the occasion was not just a farewell but a recognition of years of service that strengthened the council
“Today is not merely a farewell. It is a celebration of years of dedicated service, sacrifice, commitment and contributions to the development and administration of our Local Government.
“Your years of service have helped to build and strengthen this institution, and your contributions will remain part of its history.”he said
He commended the retirees for remaining committed under different administrations and circumstances, urging them to look back with pride. 
“As you officially close this chapter of your careers, I urge you to look back with pride and satisfaction, knowing that you have contributed your quota to the growth of Ikeja Local Government and the development of our community.”
The Chairman added that retirement marks the beginning of a new phase, assuring that the AKOD administration remains committed to workers’ welfare.
“Retirement is not the end; rather, it is the beginning of a new and exciting phase of life. It offers you the opportunity to devote more time to your families, personal interests, community service and other meaningful pursuits.”
“The administration of Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda remains committed to the welfare and wellbeing of our workforce, both serving and retired.
We recognise that the dignity of labour extends beyond the period of active service.”
“To our retirees, I say: thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifices. Your institutional knowledge and experience remain valuable, and we hope you will continue to serve as mentors and ambassadors of this great Local Government.
Speaking with newsmen,the Council Manager of Ikeja Local Government, Mrs. Odubeko Julianah Taiwo, described the retirees as hardworking and deserving of honour.
“Well, I have nothing much to say, but to wish them well. They have worked meritoriously for 35 years, which is no joke. I just wish them all the best they can think of. I know God will go with them,” she said.
Mrs. Odubeko advised the retirees, most of whom are 60 years old, to prioritize their health and finances.
“They should pay attention to their health because of their age; it is not easy. Sixty years majority of them are 60. So I want to tell them to pay attention to their health. 
“Then, they should live within their means, since salaries are no longer coming. I know some of them have invested; they should use their investments, pensions, and gratuity judiciously.”she stated
She disclosed that 13 staff members are retiring this year and noted that the Chairman approved the celebration in their honour.
The Council Manager also highlighted ongoing welfare programs for staff under the current administration.
“The AKOD administration has been wonderful to staff as well in terms of welfare. We have been attending conferences, in-house training, and on a monthly basis, he gives out financial assistance to staff. So we have been supporting him and will continue to support him.”
She said the celebration was to appreciate the retirees for their service to Ikeja Local Government.
The event ended with prayers for good health, long life and fulfillment for the retirees, as the council reaffirmed its commitment to the _“WALKING THE TALK”_ mantra of delivering people-oriented governance.
The ceremony had in attendance councilors, supervisors, special advisers, and members of the management team of Ikeja Local Government.
Investigator news gathered that out of 14 retirees, only 13 retirees witnessed the event as a minute silence was observed by the members of the staff led by the Council Manager,Mrs Odubeko Taiwo and Comrade Jubril Olusegun Aliu, Director Admin, Human resources.
Highlight of the event include presentation of gift items, certificate by the Head of Service ably represented and cutting of cake.
The retirees include Aluko Oluwatoyin(Asst Dir.Finance and Acct),Afolabi Omolara(Chief Admin/HR),Sodiq Omobolanle(Asst Chief Executive),Fafowara Kolawole(Principal Ex.Officer 1),Ige Abosede(Principal Ex.Officer 2),Lawal Lucynda(Principal Asst. Adult Edu officer 1),Akodi Olaniyi(Snr Ex. Officer)Omoloye Waleola(Chief Clerical Officer).
Others are Odupe Olayinka(Chief Clerical Officer),Okeiyi Charity (Chief Clerical Officer), Kadri Adekunle(Chief Clerical Officer),Olowu Waheed Ayinla(Chief Driver),Awe Sunday Moses(Chief Clerical Officer) and Shonekan Idowu(Head Messager).
