IFSERAR Hosts Pre-Retirement Seminar for FUNAAB Staff

The Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), organized a one-day Pre-Retirement Seminar on October 2, 2024, to prepare staff for life beyond active service. The seminar, held at the Postgraduate School Auditorium, aimed to equip participants with essential tools, knowledge, and strategies for thriving in post-retirement life.

In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Professor Kola Adebayo, stressed the importance of early retirement planning. He highlighted that retirement is not only about leaving a job but also about planning for health, business ventures, and personal activities post-service. Prof. Kehinde noted that the seminar provided participants with the opportunity to learn new skills and make informed decisions as they approach retirement.

Director of IFSERAR, Professor Alaba Jolaosho, encouraged attendees to actively participate in the seminar, urging them to ask questions and engage with the presentations. He emphasized the value of the seminar in helping participants transition smoothly into retirement.

Professor Bolatito Ikenweiwe, Programme Leader of the Aquaculture and Fisheries Unit at IFSERAR, underscored the importance of sustainable farming practices, advising participants to minimize reliance on external inputs. She also stressed that retirement planning should begin early in one’s career, not at the end, remarking, “The plan for retirement starts from the day you receive your employment letter.”

Guest speaker Dr. Femi Awoyomi, a banker and financial expert, delivered a presentation on financial literacy, urging attendees to diversify their income streams and invest in financial education. He emphasized the significance of preparing financially for retirement by creating multiple sources of income and maintaining a sound financial strategy.

Other key speakers included retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wesley Oshun; Group Sales Manager at Leadway Company, Mr. Sanyaolu Adewale; Professor Iyabode Taiwo; Mrs. Hanah Odubiyi, a retired Deputy Director of Nursing; and Barrister Olaolu Idowu-Agida, a legal practitioner. Each speaker shared insights from their fields, offering practical advice on retirement preparation, legal matters, and health management.

The seminar provided FUNAAB staff with valuable insights and practical tools to successfully navigate life after retirement, emphasizing the need for careful financial planning, health management, and ongoing personal development.