The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of retirees with the distribution of welfare packages to pensioners across the state, describing the initiative as a timely intervention to support senior citizens ahead of the Yuletide season

The exercise, which took place on Tuesday at the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, was organised to ease the financial pressures often associated with the festive period and to demonstrate the government’s continued appreciation for those who devoted decades of service to the Lagos State Public Service.

The event was organised by the Lagos Pensions Commission (LASPEC).

Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, said the initiative reflected the administration’s resolve to honour retirees whose labour and sacrifice contributed significantly to building and sustaining the state’s public institutions.

Agoro, who was represented by Bukola Durodola, Director, Post Service Department, Public Service Office, expressed satisfaction at the turnout and visible wellbeing of the pensioners, describing them as “retired but not tired” senior citizens whose vitality underscored the importance of sustained engagement and care in retirement.

A cross section of the pensioners

Agoro noted that the welfare distribution could not have come at a better time, given the rising cost of living and the demands of the festive season.

According to him, the support was intended not only to provide material relief but also to reassure retirees that they remain valued members of the public service family.

He disclosed that the programme was designed as a two-day exercise, beginning with pensioners in the Ikeja Division, while distribution would continue simultaneously across the other four divisions of the state-Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos and Epe.

This decentralised approach, he explained, was adopted to ensure equitable access, convenience and fairness for pensioners irrespective of their location.

“The decentralisation reflects our commitment to inclusion and dignity. We want our retirees to access this support without unnecessary stress,” Agoro said, adding that the state government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had consistently placed premium importance on the welfare of both serving public servants and retirees.

Beyond the welfare packages, the Head of Service assured pensioners of the government’s continued focus on prompt payment of pensions, health-related initiatives and proactive welfare programmes designed to guarantee peaceful, secure and fulfilling retirement years.

He commended the LASPEC for the efficient organisation of the exercise and urged pensioners to remain orderly, assuring them that every eligible retiree would be attended to.

Also speaking, the Director-General of LASPEC, Mr Babalola Obilana, said the initiative was designed not merely as a distribution of items but as a symbolic gesture to honour pensioners for their years of dedicated service to the state.

He noted that the Lagos State Public Service was built on the discipline, resilience and commitment of retirees who served through different phases of reform and institutional growth.

Obilana stressed that retirement does not diminish the value of service rendered, adding that the government remained committed to keeping pensioners respected, supported and connected to the system they helped build.

He described the welfare packages as modest but meaningful tokens of appreciation, particularly important during the festive season when financial demands increase.

According to him, the two-day exercise would commence in the Ikeja Division, with similar distributions taking place simultaneously in Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos and Epe divisions.

He said the decentralised model was aimed at improving accessibility and reducing the physical burden on elderly pensioners.

The LASPEC boss further explained that the welfare initiative formed part of broader efforts to improve the quality of life of retirees, including strengthening pension administration, enhancing health and social support, streamlining payment processes and introducing innovative platforms for easier access to pension information.

He linked the programme to the THEMES+ agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu, noting that the administration had consistently prioritised prompt pension payments and sustainable welfare policies.

“The goal is a Lagos where every pensioner feels respected, supported and valued. Retirement years should be a season of rest and reassurance,” Obilana said.