The Surveyor General of Cross River State, Patrick Bassey, has advised civil servants, especially those nearing their retirement period, not to be afraid but plan to restructure their lives and live active life after retirement whilst still in service.
Bassey who also doubles as a permanent Secretary in the state civil service, spoke when his office in Calabar organised a staff of his office, Edem-Ita Edem Archibong retired after 35 years of service to the state government.
He noted that not planning ahead could result in one being affected by sorrows of life, saying, “Many civil servants even public servants are usually afraid of post-retirement life.
“I want to advise that retirement shouldn’t be seen as a punishment. Civil servants should not be afraid of retirement.
“Whilst still in service, it is always advisable to plan towards your retirement and how you can make retirement enjoyable by keeping yourself engaged meaningfully.”;
He stated that the fear of retirement has usually affected many people, adding that a lot frequently fall sick no sooner they are disengaged from service.
Bassey prayed that as Archibong retired with agility and good health, the same blessing, too, will be the lots of others in the office.
In his note of appreciation, Archibong, who retired as director of administration, said it was only the work of the divine that made him survive the 35 years.
Archibong recalled that he was first engaged as a cleaner in the service and later became a security guard after which he was transferred to the clerical office.
“It was from at this stage that he returned to school whilst in service. Thereafter, promotions came which climaxed as director of administration”;, he said.
