NEWS
Sanwo-Olu Clears N68bn Pension
The Lagos State Government under Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has cleared N68.5 billion pension arrears for retirees in the state public servant.
The Head of Service Lagos State,(HoS) Mr Bode Agoro, disclosed this on Tuesday in Lagos.
Agoro spoke at a public sensitisations on Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) for public servants in the state, organised by Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC).
The HoS hailed Sanwo-Olu for his continuous efforts in ensuring that the senior citizens receive their retirement benefits immediately they exit the service.
He also commended the governor for placing premium on the well-being of the public servants, as well as the retirees.
He said the CPS, which was passed into law on March 19, 2007 in Lagos, was to provide a sustainable retirement plan that ensures financial security upon staff retirement from active service.
“Since its introduction, a lot of government policies have been made to strengthen the Nigerian pension industry, provide security for citizens’ savings, well as protect workers’ retirement benefits.
“However, all these policies have come with the need to align ourselves, as workers, with the evolvement of the scheme.
“Knowledge, they say is power, and
information is key. Therefore, a man without the right information will no doubt be deformed,” he said.
According to him, the need to avoid misinformation regarding the CPS, led to the sensitisation orgnaised by LASPEC, to disseminate vital information about important updates and changes on the CPS as it affects stakeholders.
The HoS added that the state had continually embarked on data updating exercise, occasioned by linking of National Identification Number (NIN), to all of the existing accounts, be it in the banks, telecommunication service providers and others.
He noted that it was imperative to have the data recaptured with the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to ease documentation, facilitate processing and smooth pension payments upon retirement.
According to him, for those who just have their service documents regularised, changed locations or names, the exercise was poised to provide them with fresh opportunities to register such changes with their PFAs, accordingly.
He said: “Considering the different development that public servants might have experienced over the years, this exercise will be made periodic to allow you register such development with your PFAs.
“This is to enable updated information that will ease processing of your retirement benefits by LASPEC as well as the PFAs.
“As partners in progress, our PFAs will be made available at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium at Alausa, Ikeja, for four days as scheduled in our circular, to attend to your proper documentation.
Agoro commended LASPEC for the laudable initiatives and bringing the PFAs services to the doorsteps of the civil servants for them to update their data accordingly.
He urged the workers to pay attention to the vital information concerning the pension scheme.
“Let me reiterate that this exercise is not aimed at stressing anybody, however, it is an avenue to ease the process of receiving your retirement benefits as soon as you exit the services,” he said.
In his address, Mr Babalola Obilana, Director General (DG), LASPEC, said that the sensitisations was crucial to share vital updates and changes in the CPS to the public servants.
Obilana explained that the CPS was designed to ensure that all employees have a secure and sustainable source of income upon retirement.
He said the scheme operates on a simple principle: both employees and employers contribute a portion of the employee’s salary into a pension fund, which is then managed by a designated authority.
“This collective effort provides financial security for our future and fosters a culture of savings and responsibility among public servants.
“It is a mutual commitment to one another that we all need to embrace,” he said.
He noted that over the years, the administration of the CPS in Lagos state had undergone several important updates, aimed at enhancing its efficiency and transparency.
The DG said that the changes reflect on the commitment to improving the management of pension funds and ensuring that the benefits are protected and accessible.
He added that one of the most significant changes was to enhance collaboration between LASPEC, the PFAs and the Annuity Service Providers (ASPs).
The director-general noted that LASPEC had been streamling the processes to ensure easy access to pension benefits at retirement.
“This collaboration is crucial in ensuring that your retirement savings grow and are managed responsibly.
“However, despite these advancements, it has come to our notice that a number of public servants in MDAs and parastatals, are yet to open their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs).
“This oversight has serious implications for their future financial security,” he said.
According to the DG, many of these individuals find their pension benefits sitting in an escrow account as a result of not having RSAs.
Obilana said that the situation was not only detrimental to the financial future of such defaulters, but would also complicate their pension payment process upon retirement.
He urged the affected workers and other public servants of the state to take advantage of the programme, do the needful and update their data with the PFAs accordingly.
The event was attended by public servants from various MDAs and parastatals of the state.(NAN)
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar- Faruk, says National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members do not suffer anything in his domain, as they lack nothing.
The emir made the statement when he received the NYSC Coordinator in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Sa’idu, on a courtesy visit on Thursday in Daura.
According to the emir, NYSC is the only programme left for all Nigerians that ensure unity, from government to communities and individuals.
Umar-Faruk called on all Nigerians to see the NYSC members as, ”Children of necessity, orphans who has no family, Children that also need assistance, protection, guidance and comfort.
“NYSC members should not be seen as vulnerable for exploitation and molestation, they should be provided with shelter, food and everything that will make them comfortable in any place they found themselves
“Corps members don’t suffer anything in my domain, they lack nothing, because I always do my best to ensure they are well accommodated.
”He advised other communities in the country to do the same for the development and sustenance of the scheme, stressing that NYSC has done so much for the unity and integration of Nigeria after the civil war.
Earlier, Sa’idu told the emir that he was in his palace being one of the critical stakeholders to report that he has resumed office as the new NYSC coordinator in the state, and also to request for his blessings.
The coordinator assured the emir that the scheme would continue to collaborate with the Emirate Council towards the development of the country and the nation’s unity.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the NYSC Katsina State End of Service Year Publication to the Emir. (NAN)
The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) says some delays in Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) Fund creation and implementation are caused by community members and litigations.
The HOSTCOM said pending issues by host communities in choosing members and chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) delayed the implementation of the HCDT funds.
Dr Benjamin Tamaranebi, National President, HOSTCOM, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja while making clarifications on recent claims on the Host Community Project Funding in Akwa Ibom.
Report says that HCDTs are responsible for managing and distributing oil company funds to the host communities, ensuring that resources are used effectively for community development projects.
Host communities in Akwa Ibom had expressed frustration over the delayed release of funds by oil companies to HCDT which it said hindered the implementation of projects outlined in their respective development plans.
Community representatives from HCDTs in Ibeno, Eket, Mbo, Esit Eket, Uruan and Ikot Abasi LGAs claimed that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) failed to enforce statutory sanctions on oil companies that delay funds.
Tamaranebi, who condemned the recent publication regarding alleged delays in funding development projects in host communities in the state, urged the public to disregard it as it was unfounded.
“We must state clearly that some of the delays of HCDTs creation are caused by community members and litigations over who wants to be a member and chairman of the Board of Trustees which has nothing to do with NUPRC.
“So, we advise communities to conduct themselves properly for the benefit of the HCDT funds,” he said.
He recalled that the NUPRC initiated the HCDTs Forum to meet with community representatives through its HCDT trustees to address broader issues and grievances ensuring continuous dialogue between host communities and the operators.
The national president said the forum had promoted transparency and accountability ensuring that community voices were heard at a higher level.
Tamaranebi said there was registration of reputable 34 asset/fund manager to invest 20 per cent of the three per cent Operating Expenses or Expenditure (OPEX) on behalf of the trusts.
“Some of the trusts are already benefiting from the dividend of this investments.
“These achievements underscore the commitment of the NUPRC and Settlors to the sustainable development of host communities.
“We encourage all stakeholders, including community members and operators, to maintain open lines of communication with the HOSTCOM or NUPRC,” he said.
On concerns regarding funding or implementation of projects, he urged parties to engage with HOSTCOM directly for resolution rather than resorting to public statements that may misinform or escalate tensions.
He added that HOSTCOM was actively monitoring the situation in Akwa Ibom and other states to continue to advocate for the rights and developmental needs of local communities.(NAN)
The Nigerian Army has stressed the importance of responsible social media usage in contributing to national security and development.
Maj. Gen. Sanusi Dahiru, Deputy Director-General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, made this remark at the 37th Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar in Calabar on Thursday.
Dahiru, who was the Special Guest of Honour said the seminar, noted that social media could shape the security environment but could also be misused to spread harmful content.
He encouraged Nigerians to support the army and promote community engagement.
On his part, Maj. Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, Chief of Civil Military Affairs, emphasised responsible online behaviour to enhance national security.
He warned against spreading unverified information and urged Nigerians to be mindful of those sowing discord.
Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Cross River’s Commissioner for Information, acknowledged social media’s impact on society but also highlighted its negative tendencies, such as cyberbullying and depression.
He advocated for the military’s involvement in social media to address security challenges.
(NAN)
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