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Ex-Oyo HoS, Eniade urges workers to prepare, reveals tips to ‘no regrets’ retirement
A former Head of Service (HoS) in Oyo State, Mr. Soji Eniade on Saturday encouraged retirees to be ahead of time in preparing for their retirement the moment they get employed, just as he shared specific retirement tips.
Eniade , while speaking at a reunion program organised by the 1997 set of Bishop Phillips Academy, Ibadan, also stated that financial issues have made pension unreliable as state governors are finding it extremely difficult to be up to date in salary payment.
The ex-Head of Service, who was ill-at ease over the already gloomy unemployment situation in the country said , ” It is unfortunate that many graduates who are unemployed are still in the labour market so many parents who invested in their children’s education suffer from this”.
According to him, “It is important for every hale and hearty employee to prepare for his retirement right now. While I was in active service. My mother gave me two advises: don’t use all your hands to eat and don’t use your money for bean cakes (enjoyment). It is important for workers to start preparing for retirement right from the day they start working,”he said.
“I am not vast about the retirement pattern in the private sector because I served in the public sector. In most cases when some organizations restructure, they will have to downsize, extinction, bankruptcy, and other factors can cause retirement.
“Due to the many challenges of pension in the country, the federal government adopted the British model of contributory pension but it has failed because many states of the federation can’t meet up because they refuse to pay.
“In essence, financial issues have made pension unreliable. How do you expect states that can’t pay salary to pay pension? I’ll use this moment to commend Governor Seyi Makinde, he is doing well in that regard.
“In Britain, retirement life is very easy because you are entitled to various things like free basic healthcare and transport ticket but all these are not readily available in Nigeria. Most retirees in our country use their pension to buy drugs to feed themselves in life”, he submitted.
Sharing tips on how workers can secure a good retirement plan, Eniade continued: “Good and trusted relationship with spouses. Good upbringing and quality education for our children. The holy Bible says ‘train your child and he shall give you peace.
“During our days, public education had great quality and schools like Bishop Phillips Academy that were privately owned was heavily subsidised by the government making it affordable for everyone but the situation is not the same today again. In this case, all of us must continue to advocate for quality public education in the country.
“The fourth point is good healthcare”, he emphasized.
Also commenting at the event is a three-time Commissioner in Oyo State, Dr. Morounkola Thomas, who spoke on the topic: ‘Importance of quality education in nation building: the place of alumni group under review’.
The former Executive Assistant to late Governor Abiola Ajimobi on political matters, noted that the place of alumni association as a critical stakeholder in the provision of quality education in schools is of essential importance.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Ibadan Regional Chairman of the 1997 set of the alumni association, Pastor Oyewale Oyegoke appreciated all members who took their time to attend the reunion program despite their tight schedule.
Speaking further, he revealed that in 2020, the alumni association embarked on a project titled ‘operation zero tattered cloth and footwear’.
According to the Chairman, the project, which involves the provision of new school uniform and footwear for students with tattered ones; recorded a success story, assuring that the association is determined to do more.
Dignitaries present at the epoch -making event include, the National Chairman, Bishop Phillips Old Students’ Association, Ibadan Region, Alhaji Adekunle Ogunshola; National chairman, 1997 set, Mr. Femi Akintayo among others
China has announced a sharp increase in tariffs on US imports, raising the rate from 34 percent to 84 percent, in response to new American trade measures that came into effect on Wednesday.
The decision, confirmed by China’s finance ministry, will take effect from 12:01 p.m. on Thursday. It follows the imposition of sweeping new US tariffs under President Donald Trump, including a hefty 104 percent duty on certain Chinese goods.
“The tariff escalation against China by the United States simply piles mistakes on top of mistakes and severely infringes on China’s legitimate rights and interests,” the ministry said in a strongly worded statement, warning of “firm and forceful” countermeasures.
Beijing has long opposed the increasing use of tariffs as a tool in trade disputes, and accused Washington of undermining the multilateral rules-based global trading system.
In a related move, China’s commerce ministry also announced it would blacklist six American artificial intelligence companies, including Shield AI Inc. and Sierra Nevada Corporation. The companies were accused of either supplying arms to Taiwan or collaborating with the island on military technology.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Oyo State Governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, describing his death as a monumental loss to the people of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
In a condolence message made available to the press on Sunday, in Ibadan by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker eulogised the late elder statesman as a distinguished scholar, consummate public administrator, and one of Nigeria’s most intellectually gifted leaders whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.
Dr. Olunloyo, who served as governor of Oyo State during the Second Republic, was reported dead at the age of 89. He was widely respected for his brilliance, administrative acumen, and unmatched depth in mathematics and public discourse.
Oseni noted that the late governor’s contributions to the development of Oyo State, particularly in the areas of education, governance, and intellectual engagement, are indelible footprints in the sands of time.
“We have lost a gem. Dr. Olunloyo was not just a leader, he was a father figure and a repository of wisdom. His demise is a personal loss to me and all lovers of progress and excellence in our society,” he stated.
While commiserating with the Olunloyo family, the people of Ibadan, and the entire Oyo State, he prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed soul and urged all to take solace in the rich and impactful life he lived.
Member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Chief Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole and other members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) executives on their re-election.
Chief Ajewole was returned as the President-General of the apex Ibadan socio-cultural association, alongside other members of the executive council, who were all given the mandate to continue piloting the affairs of the association for another two-year term.
In a congratulatory message issued through his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, Oseni described the re-election of the Ajewole-led team as a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed in their leadership by the Ibadan indigenes at home and in the diaspora.
He commended the CCII leadership for its unwavering commitment to the progress, unity, and cultural advancement of Ibadanland while expressing optimism that the renewed mandate would further propel the association to greater heights.
“The re-election of Chief Ajewole and his team is not only a testament to their sterling performance over the last term but also an affirmation of their capacity to continue serving the interest of Ibadan indigenes. I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes for a more impactful tenure,” he said.
The lawmaker further assured the CCII of his continued support for any initiative geared towards the development of Ibadanland and the preservation of its rich heritage.
The CCII is renowned for its pivotal role in mobilising Ibadan sons and daughters towards the socio-economic development of the65 ancient city and beyond.
