A retired accountant with the Edo State Accountant General’s Office, Mr Enofe Idahosa, has warned workers against falsifying their ages to remain longer in service, saying the practice could undermine their wellbeing after retirement.
Idahosa gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Benin while reflecting on life after retirement and the importance of planning adequately for the future.
He said workers who retire at the appropriate statutory age often retained the strength and energy needed to engage in farming, trading, real estate and other legitimate income-generating ventures.
According to him, workers who alter their ages to extend their years in service frequently retire when their physical strength has declined, limiting their ability to remain economically active.
“When you falsify your age and retire much later, you may no longer be able to engage in activities that can support you because your body may have become weak.
“You will then depend on your children, even though they are not responsible for the situation.”
Drawing from his experience, Idahosa said he ventured into the real estate business after retirement, having learnt the trade through friends who were already established in the sector.
He said he started by connecting landlords with prospective tenants within his neighborhood before gradually expanding his clientele, adding that the business had become a reliable source of income.
The retiree appealed to government to continue reviewing pension policies and improving the welfare of retirees in view of prevailing economic realities and rising living costs.
He also expressed optimism that ongoing efforts by the administration of Gov. Monday Okpebholo to address pension-related concerns would provide relief to affected retirees across the state.
Idahosa further advised pensioners to maintain healthy lifestyles through balanced diets, regular exercise and daily walks to remain physically fit and active after retirement.
According to him, good health enables retirees to remain productive, pursue meaningful activities and reduce dependence on family members and other forms of support.
He urged workers to avoid age falsification, retire at the appropriate statutory age, plan for life after service and develop legitimate sources of income to ensure financial independence in retirement.(NAN).
