Retirees Commend Lagos State Government for Two-Day Fish Farming Training
Retirees in Lagos State civil service have expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the State Government for organizing a highly beneficial two-day training program on fish farming. This initiative, aimed at equipping retirees with the necessary skills and knowledge to embark on a successful post-retirement venture, has received widespread acclaim. By providing retirees with practical training in fish farming techniques and empowering them with essential resources, the Lagos State government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting retirees in their quest for financial independence.
Empowering Retirees
Recognizing the challenges that retirees often face in securing a reliable source of income, the Lagos State government took proactive steps to address this issue head-on. The two-day training program served as a comprehensive crash course, covering various aspects of fish farming. Participants were exposed to topics such as pond management, fish nutrition, breeding techniques, disease prevention, and marketing strategies. By imparting this knowledge, the government aimed to equip retirees with the expertise needed to excel in the field of fish farming.
Provision of Resources
Understanding that knowledge alone would not suffice, the Lagos State government went a step further by providing the retirees with tangible resources to kickstart their fish farming businesses. Each retiree received tanks, fish ponds, and an initial stock of fish, ensuring they had the necessary infrastructure to begin their entrepreneurial journey. By supplying these essential resources, the government effectively reduced the barriers to entry for retirees and enabled them to hit the ground running.
Creating Economic Opportunities
The decision to focus on fish farming as a viable post-retirement occupation was strategic. Lagos State, with its vast coastal areas and proximity to water bodies, presents an ideal environment for aquaculture. By encouraging retirees to delve into fish farming, the government not only addresses the issue of financial stability but also taps into the economic potential of the industry. Retirees will not only be able to earn a living but also contribute to the local economy by supplying fresh fish to the market.
Sustainable Livelihoods
The empowerment of retirees through fish farming aligns with the Lagos State government’s commitment to promoting sustainable livelihoods and reducing dependence on pension schemes. By encouraging retirees to embrace entrepreneurship, the government aims to create a more self-reliant and economically empowered society. Fish farming offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly business model that can ensure a steady income stream for retirees well into the future.
The Lagos State government’s initiative to organize a two-day training program on fish farming for retirees from the civil service marks a significant step towards securing the financial future of these individuals. By equipping them with knowledge, resources, and opportunities, the government has opened doors to a rewarding post-retirement career in the thriving fish farming industry. This visionary approach not only benefits retirees personally but also contributes to the economic growth and sustainability of Lagos State as a whole.
While delivering her speech, the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs Sunkanmi Oyegbola, represented by the Secretary, Staff Housing Board, Mr. Abdul-Rafiu Fashola, said the programme being part of the State Government efforts and commitments to provide the right tools and environment not only to serving workers but equally engage our retirees to excel after retirement, having served and contributed their quotas to the development of the state.
“The objective of the training is to create a mindset change in Retirees, exposure to opportunities available in farming, Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), empowerment of retirees with competencies and innovative skills, mentoring, reduction of physical and emotional stress and untimely eradication of poverty”.
“The Department as part of its mandate, over the years, ensured that quarterly training and sensitization programme on various acquisition skills and counselling are organised for the Retirees, as this is one of the avenue to engage all our Retirees and to make them relevant after retirement”.
“To further support the Retirees, the Office of the Head of Service has recently recreated wellness centers in each of the five divisions of the State to cater for the wellness of the retirees, in all these centres, we have organized games/support service to the Retirees, as parts of the way to relax and refresh themselves”, she added.
Mrs Agboola also commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy for their support all the time.
“I wish to also respectfully commend Mr. Governor Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, for their unalloyed support at all times and for approving this training programme for about 30 retired Public Servants in the Lagos State public service. This will be held quarterly”.
One of the participants, Mrs Osu Adenike, a retiree also thanks the Governor and the Head of Service for remembering to call them back for training like this.
“I want to appreciate the Governor and the Head of Service for remembering to call us for training like this.
Another participant, Mrs Tunwase Adebowale said;
“The program is highly commended. I’m sure it’s the first of its kind in all the states of the federation. You know, Lagos has always been known for excellence being a partaker, I must commend the Lagos State Government for remembering us, the retirees, they did not say because we are retirees and they have nothing to do with us again”.
“You know, even before this one every two weeks, they train us on relevant topics every two weeks via Zoom”.
‘So this com this practical one is highly commended and I want to say a big thank you to the governor Mr and the H OS for organizing this type of training’.
‘Then to your second question, you know, after retirement, even before you collect your benefits, you don’t have to wait before you collect your benefit before you start thinking of what to do with it’.
‘So this will go a long way in helping us, you know, even taught us the theory and the practical side, we are shown all sorts of practical things yesterday at Ikorodu’.
Managing Editor,
Lagos Post Online.
Damilare is a disciplined tech enthusiast and media entrepreneur with interest and unparalleled passion for model Web and app design technology. He is a firm believer in the meaningful role research and innovation can play in addressing economic issues across industries and sectors. He’s passionate about online Journalism. Damilare is also a Photographer.
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