The Pension and Retirement department of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, (OAUTHC), organized the 2026 Pre-Retirement Seminar from 14th to16th September, 2026 at the Mini Auditorium of the Hospital. The seminar was themed: “From Service to Significance: Building Legacy, Relevance and Fulfillment After Retirement.”
In his opening remarks, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. John Okeniyi noted that there is a season for everything on earth. He stated that, in the civil service, there is a time to be recruited and a time to exit. He congratulated the retiring members of staff for reaching the end of their careers and commended them for their years of dedicated and excellent service to the institution.
He further emphasized that the development and transfer of knowledge and experience while in service would be beneficial to successors occupying various positions within the institution.
The Head, Pension and Retirement Department, Mr. Olalekan Akanbi, stated that the programme was designed to help participants develop a new sense of identity, remain relevant after retirement, maintain meaningful family and social relationships, and contribute their wealth of experience and knowledge to society.
The first speaker, Mr. Rotimi Akande Omotoye, a retired Deputy Director of Administration, and former Head, Human Resource Department, OAUTHC, described retirement as one of the most significant transitions in a person’s working life.
In his lecture titled “Leaving Well,” he explained that leaving well means departing from the workplace in such a manner that the organization can continue to function effectively after one’s departure. He encouraged the participants to ensure a smooth transition by transferring relevant knowledge and responsibilities to their successors.
Mrs. Margaret Omosule, a former Registrar of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, explained that retirement should not be viewed merely as an exit from the workforce. Rather, it is an entry into a new phase of life in which retirees have the opportunity to deliberately create an environment that promotes comfort, peace and fulfillment. She also emphasized the importance of planning ahead for a comfortable retirement home and making thoughtful preparations for life after active service.
Mrs. Foluke Monisola Fola-Alao a retired Director, Accounts and Finance, OAUTHC, emphasized that retirement should not be regarded as the end of productivity but as the beginning of another season of purposeful living. She noted that life after retirement can be lovely, beautiful and enjoyable when properly planned. She advised retirees to avoid boredom and drifting by learning new skills, reading books, enrolling in online courses and being intentional about how they spend their time. She also encouraged them to engage in activities that promote mental alertness and personal development.
Speaking on “Digital Confidence for Retirees in a Changing World,” Dr. Adeniyi Aderibigbe highlighted the importance of digital literacy in retirement. He explained that retirees can make effective use of smartphones and other digital tools to monitor their health and medication, check blood pressure, communicate with healthcare providers and keep track of medical appointments.
Other facilitators at the seminar included Mrs. Adeshewa Aderibigbe, represented by Mr. Owoyomi Ayodeji Adeyemi, Dr. Quadri Adebayo Lawal, Dr. Ibrahim Bello and Mr. Olusegun Fawole, Esq.
The facilitators addressed various aspects of healthy and fulfilling retirement. Participants were encouraged to maintain good relationships with family, friends and members of their communities, maintain healthy diets and engage in regular physical exercise.
The three-day seminar concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants. The Director of Administration, represented by Mrs. Teniola Arowosola, described retirement as a new beginning towards a life of fulfillment and positive experiences. She expressed appreciation to the organizing committee and the Pension and Retirement Department for putting together what she described as a remarkable and impactful seminar.
The 2026 Pre-Retirement Seminar provided participants with practical knowledge and valuable perspectives on preparing for life after active service. The programme emphasized that retirement is not an end, but a transition into a new phase that can be purposeful, productive and fulfilling when properly planned.
Photo Credit: Jamiu Badru ANIPR