Over 80 retired staff of Yaba College of Technology were recently celebrated in pomp and ceremony as they exited the services of the institution after clocking the mandated retirement age of 65 stipulated in the Federal Government public service rule for the polytechnic sector, having served meritoriously.
The event which covered the 2023 and 2024 retirees of the College was witnessed by the Governing Council members of the college led by the Chairman, Professor, Funsho Afolabi, management, staff, families of retirees and students’ representatives alongside the staff union leaders.
The Chairman, in his address, described the send forth as a moment of celebration, reflection, and heartfelt appreciation in which the college deemed it fit to bid farewell to the esteemed staff that have retired from active service.
He said that the occasion is a bittersweet moment for the retirees, a celebration of years of service; dedication, impact and step into a new exciting chapter of life of retirement, not the closing of a book, but the turning of a page.
According to him, “we gather not to say goodbye, but to celebrate a remarkable chapter and welcome a new beginning. Retirement is often seen as the final curtain call, in truth, but not an end, it is a transition. It is the moment when a person sets aside the rhythm of daily work, not because they are stepping away from purpose, but because they are stepping into a new kind of freedom. A freedom to rest, to reflect, and to rediscover”.
“To the retired staff, your years of service, dedication, and integrity have left footprints that time cannot erase. The lessons you’ve shared, the live you’ve touched, and the legacy you’ve built will continue to speak long after this day. We are truly delighted to have each of you here today. Your presence adds warmth and honour to this occasion as we celebrate a legacy of service, commitment and impact”.
He submitted by appreciating the retirees for their unwavering commitment, hard-work, and the example set over the years as mentors which has been the strength behind the success of the organization.
The Rector, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul in his welcome address commended the retired staff and acknowledged their valuable contributions to the progress, growth and development of the College.
Dr. Abdul appreciated the retirees for their commendable services during their time in the service of the College, he noted that “retirement is a thing of joy and should be celebrated, it is an exciting time in a person’s life, it is a time for reflection and a time to look forward and spend more time with loved ones”.
He added that the honour of celebrating the retirees is well deserved honour having spent the best of their productive life in Yabatech and worked tirelessly to lift the glory of the College.
Dr. Abdul, however, charged the retirees not to forget the College as their advice and expertise may be needed from time to time for the betterment of the institution.
The Medical Director of the College, Dr. Samuel Nubi charged the retirees to pay adequate attention to their health, because health is wealth.
In his paper titled, ’Health in Retirement’, he was of the view that retirement is inevitable, but how one prepares for it will determine whether it becomes a period of decline or fulfilment.
According to him, “at extreme stages of life, the immune system weakens, making retirees more vulnerable to diseases”.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, the former Dean, School of Art, Design and Printing, Dr. Kunle Adeyemi appreciated God in the lives of the retirees and thanked the governing council and management for the honour bestowed and for celebrating the college retirees.
