Yobe Govt Trains Retiring Civil Servants In Self-Sufficiency, Financial Independence

The Yobe State Government has organised a five-day pre-retirement training programme to equip civil servants approaching retirement with practical skills for self-sufficiency, financial independence and sustainable livelihoods beyond active public service.

A statement from the Information Officer of the office of the Head of Service, Alhassan Sule Mamudo said the programme, titled Pre-Retirement Training Programme for Self-Sufficiency and Financial Independence, was held at CSS Integrated Farm in Abuja in collaboration with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and CSS Integrated Farms Limited.

Declaring the programme open, the Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa Shehu, said the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to preparing workers for life after retirement by exposing them to productive ventures and alternative sources of income.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Dr. Hamidu Isa Babi, the Head of Service explained that the training was designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills in agricultural production, agribusiness, marketing and other viable economic opportunities.

He said the initiative aligned with the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni, in promoting human capital development, strengthening civil service reforms and advancing effective training and succession planning within the public service.

Musa Shehu urged participants to take full advantage of the programme by acquiring relevant skills to establish viable agricultural enterprises, invest wisely and explore other businesses capable of sustaining their livelihoods after retirement.

He emphasised that retirement should not be regarded as the end of an individual’s productive life but as an opportunity to pursue entrepreneurship, develop personal interests and contribute meaningfully to socio-economic development.

The Head of Service further encouraged participants to begin planning early for retirement, noting that adequate preparation would facilitate a smooth transition from active government service to financially independent lives.

In a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Energy, Dr. Mustapha Abba Geidam, commended Governor Buni for his commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of civil servants, particularly initiatives aimed at securing their future after retirement.

Geidam said the programme would provide participants with the knowledge and skills required to establish sustainable businesses, particularly in agriculture and agribusiness, while exploring other opportunities to improve their livelihoods.

He also commended the Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa Shehu, and the Focal Person on Training and Succession Planning, Comrade Ibrahim Bulama Yusuf, for conceptualising and designing the initiative.

The five-day programme brought together senior government officials, including Permanent Secretaries, Chief Registrars of the High Court and Sharia Court, the Clerk of the Yobe State House of Assembly, the Auditors-General for the State and Local Governments, the Accountant-General and other senior civil servants.

The initiative has clearly demonstrated the Yobe State Government’s efforts to promote a retirement culture anchored on adequate preparation, entrepreneurship and financial sustainability.