The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced a one-month pre-retirement workshop for selected staff members, as part of efforts to prepare them for a smooth and productive transition into post-service life.
The 2026 workshop, currently being held in Abuja, has fourteen (14) retiring officers participating.
Declaring the workshop open on Monday, the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Clifford Okwudili Oparaodu, DSSRS, congratulated the participants on attaining retirement honourably, noting that such a milestone is worthy of celebration.
He observed that not all public servants are able to complete their careers successfully, citing instances where officers are suspended, interdicted, or dismissed before retirement.
According to him, “We have had incidents of people working after four to five years; they are suspended, interdicted and dismissed from service, but yours is not like that. From all I know, you have run a full course, and you are retiring honourably with all your privileges and entitlements. That is something that is worthy of celebration.”
Mr. Oparaodu encouraged the participants to view retirement not as an end, but as the beginning of a new phase of life filled with opportunities.
“I urge you not to look at retirement as the end but see it as the beginning of life. Retirement gives you the opportunity to fend for yourself. Even while in active service, one should always plan ahead for retirement. You do not need so much money to start planning,” he said.
He further advised the retirees to remain active and engaged in order to avoid boredom, stressing that purposeful engagement would provide them with a reliable means of livelihood after service.
“Nobody would like to be weighed down by boredom, but if you actively keep yourself engaged, you will have something to fall back on,” he added.
The Secretary also tasked the workshop facilitator to tailor the training modules to reflect the professional background of the participants, particularly their experience in law enforcement and other regimented institutions.
He urged the participants to take full advantage of the training, emphasizing that the knowledge gained would be instrumental in helping them achieve a fulfilling and rewarding retirement.
The pre-retirement workshop is designed to equip participants with essential skills and insights in areas such as financial planning, entrepreneurship, health management, and personal development, thereby ensuring they remain productive and self-reliant beyond their years of service.