Lagos State Government has empowered 50 retirees with entrepreneurial skills.

The state it was to to ensure the well-being and financial independence of persons who had served in various capacities as civil servants.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of a two-day skills acquisition programme for retirees, Lagos State Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, said the quarterly training programme was in continuation of Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to empowering retired civil servants.

Muri-Okunola, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Samson Ajibade, said various skills acquisition and other income-earning training sessions were offered to guarantee social and economic relief, reduction in emotional and physical stress as well as the eradication of poverty among retired officials of the state.

Director, Post Service Department, Bukola Durodola, noted that the training and sensitisation programme was initiated to enhance the quality of life of the retirees after leaving the state’s public service.

She maintained that the training created an opportunity for the retirees to interact, just as it will make them independent in retirement.

“We ensured there is continuous training for all the retirees, which is good for their mental health and would reduce being lonely now that they are not engaged in any active work,” she said.

One of the beneficiary retirees at the training session, Olushola Adekola, who appreciated the Lagos State Governor, said the training woul make participants productive, relevant and useful to themselves while living a healthy life in retirement.

She assured the administration that the retirees will not take the opportunity provided for granted.

The participants were taught auto-gele and packaging of gift items, among others.