The Lagos State Government, through the State Pension Board, has paid N649 million to another batch of 119 retirees from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the State Government.
Speaking at the 23rd Retirement Benefit Bond Certificate Presentation which took place recently, the Director-General (LASPEB), Mrs. Folashade Onanuga, said the presentation brings the number of retirees paid between August 2015 to January 2016 to 2,409 while total accrued pension rights paid by the State Government during the same period is N10.652 billion.
She explained that accrued pension rights are gratuity and pension entitlements due to staff that transited to the contributory pension scheme but had served under the “Pay As You Go” Pension scheme dispensation.
While reminding the beneficiaries to take good care of their health and invest the money wisely, Onanuga advised them to be wary of fraudsters and not accept any business proposal they don’t understand.
“If you cannot think of any business at the moment, keep your money in fixed deposit accounts with banks,” she said.
Responding, a representative of the retirees thanked the Management and staff of the Pension Board Office for the warm reception they always accorded them each time they visit the Office and prayed for the success of the present administration of Akinwunmi Ambode.
Meanwhile, the state ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has expressed its readiness to partner investors for the establishment of leisure and tourism facilities in all parts of the State.
The State Commissioner for Tourism, Mr. Folorunsho Folarin-Coker, who made the declaration at the official commissioning of the redeveloped Apapa Amusement Park at the weekend, urged investors to take advantage of investment friendly environment provided by the current administration and invest in the state.
He described the new park as another significant step by the present administration to use Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment and Sports (THES) as a tool to stimulate the economy of the State.
The Commissioner said that the park used to be the number one leisure spot for family entertainment, recreation and relaxation in Lagos, but suffered depreciation and as such the value derived from visiting the park diminished.
However, he said the State Government in conjunction with other stakeholders and a new concessionaire took interest and resuscitated the park, noting that the park now offers Lagosians an opportunity for the regeneration of family values and bonding as the facilities provided would go a long way to stimulate the mind through recreation and entertainment.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts and Culture, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, said the park “provides picture-perfect moments and memories to last a time and serve as ideal place for family fun, which means that parents have extra time to spend with their children”.
She also commended the vision of the State and Local Governments as well as Messrs Cube Nig. Ltd for the re-investment in the park and for recreating a place of fun for the children.
The event was attended by many dignitaries including Mrs. Olufunmilayo Balogun, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, member, House of Representatives; Hon. Babalola Mogaji, Secretary, Apapa Local Government; the Lisa and Ekerin of Ojora Kingdom, Chief Ojora Adejiyan and Brig. General (Rtd) Ayo Vaughan, Chairman, Apapa GRA residents Association, among others.
This was even as the state government has approved the appointment of Mr. Dehinde Tunwashe as the new General Manager of Lagos State Mortgage Board, custodian of Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos H.O.M.S).
Until his appointment, Tunwashe was the Executive Director in charge of Operations at Lagos Building Investment Company (LBIC) where he served for nine years rising from the post of Principal Manager.
He holds a degree in Economics and a Master’s degree in Banking and Finance. He is also an Associate of both Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM).
Tunwashe has more than two decades of post graduate experience in the Banking Industry having worked at First Bank Plc before moving to United Bank for Africa Plc.
His appointment takes immediate effect. [myad]
