By Adadainfo
In order to keep officers and men of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, up to date on the operations of pension related matters, the command in collaboration with the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Thursday, organized a one-day sensitization on the Contributory Pension Scheme for personnel of the corps.
Declaring the sensitization workshop open, Mr Isidore C Chikere, the state commandant of NSCDC, represented by the deputy commandant, Kizito Emaikwu, head of administration, said the command deemed it necessary to collaborate with PenCom in putting up the workshop aimed at availing officers and men with further insights on some PenCom major activities targeted at the overall enhancement of the Contributory Pension Scheme in Nigeria.
Edwin Okadigbo, the PRO of the corps in the state, quoted the state commandant as saying, “Retirement after service is a major phase in life. If it is not prepared for, it will bring about frustration, boredom and a sense of non-relevance.
“That is why we have put up this sensitization to address the typical but valid retirement fears and plan for a productive and fulfilling life after retirement.
“This can only be achieved if one is conversant with rules, regulations, and standards for proper administration of retirement benefits. I sincerely commend the National Pension Commission for coming to sensitize us.
“This measure will help in holding accountable those managing our pension funds.”
In a presentation entitled ‘Overview of the Contributory Pension Scheme under the Pension Reform Act 2014’, Mr Nnamdi Duru, from PenCom South East zonal office, said the scheme was committed to addressing pension investment challenges faced by contributors.
He enumerated the benefits attached to scheme, and urged members of the corps to be proactive in monitoring the activities of pension fund administrators (PFA) ‘for a lifelong planning process that is constantly evolving based on what contributor’s life would look like after leaving the workforce’.
Mrs Chiadi Nnoka, head of PenCom South-East zonal office, Awka, admonished officers and men to start preparing for retirement early.
She said, “Most times we fail to think of our retirement until we are nearing it. By that time, it might be too late to achieve our desired payout that will supplement what we expect to get from our employer.
“There is need therefore to start our retirement plan early to be able to live our retirement years the way we want it.”
Okadigbo said the sensitization featured questions and answers session anchored by CSC Fidelia Enunwe, head of pension unit.
