Lagos State Government, through the Office of the Head of Service, Post Service Department, on Thursday, organised a two-day interactive session and skill acquisition programme for retirees of the State Public Service.
Speaking at the training programme held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, said that the State Government has realised the need to ensure that retirees from the State Public Service are actively engaged during their retirement years.
Muri-Okunola, who spoke virtually to the retirees, explained that the event was in fulfilment of the promise of the present administration that no one will be left behind in the implementation of the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda, adding that the newly introduced format comprising of interactive session and skill acquisition programmes, was to get the best out of the engagement with the retirees.
In his words, “It is my honour and great privilege to welcome you all to this auspicious occasion on behalf of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, as well express the sincere appreciation of a grateful State, once again, for your labour of love, sacrifice and contributions to the development of our dear State”.
The Head of Service stated that the theme of this year’s interactive session “Living a Healthy Lifestyle in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic”, was carefully selected to reflect on the emerging realities in Nigeria and the World at large, stressing that the global pandemic turned Lagos into the epicentre of an unprecedented public health challenge and affected all aspects of social and economic life.
He, however, disclosed that the Federal and Lagos State Governments’ concerted efforts ensured that the spread of the deadly virus was effectively contained, adding that the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine in the country is also to protect the health and wellbeing of Nigerians from the ravaging pandemic.
While informing that due diligence was carried out to establish the efficacy and safety of the vaccines, Muri-Okunola urged everyone to disregard any rumour or misinformation making the rounds about the danger involved in getting vaccinated.
“I have been vaccinated and till this moment, I am sound and healthy. I also implore you to get vaccinated as well as to realise that vaccination is not the end of the pandemic. You are to continue to adhere to non-pharmaceutical interventions such as hand hygiene, use of face mask and maintaining physical distancing to curtail the continued spread of the virus”, he said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mr. Samson Ajibade, implored all those in attendance to maximise the inherent benefits in the engagement by participating fully in the training programme, stressing that the facilitators are experts in their areas of specialisation.
He also revealed that the present administration under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to the regular payment of pensions and accrued benefits of all retirees of the State Public Service.