The Cross River State Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions has organized a two-day capacity-building workshop for pension desk officers to promote efficient pension administration, proper documentation and improved service delivery across the State's civil service.
The workshop held at College of Health Technology, Calabar, brought together resource persons and participants to examine key issues affecting pension administration and equip officers with the knowledge and skills required to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Lawrencia. E. Ita, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of effective pension administration in ensuring a smooth retirement process and improved welfare for retired civil servants.
The State Auditor- General, Mr. Effiong Asuquo Ita, in a goodwill message urged participants to take advantage of the training to improve their professionalism, competence and strengthen accountability in pension administration.
The training had topics covering: Roles and Responsibilities of pension desk officers; Pre- retirement Planning and Identification of Prospective Retirees; as well as Pension Laws, Ethics and Administrative Compliance delivered by seasoned instructors.
The trainees were also taught on: Retirement Documentation and Records Management; Pension and gratuity Processing Procedures and the Essentials of Records Management in Pension Administration.
The training highlighted the need for accurate documentation, proper record keeping and strict adherence to established procedures.
Each training segment featured interactive sessions, during which participants and facilitators exchanged views, asked questions and offered practical clarifications. The sessions were moderated by Mr.Achibong Edem Mr. Daniel Agbor and Elder Omini Egu, who were the facilitators for the training.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Dominic Ogbeche, in his closing remarks expressed appreciation to the facilitators and participants for their contributions to the success of the exercise.
He encouraged the officers to apply the knowledge gained to their daily duties for improved efficiency and timely pension administration.
The training initiative underscores the State Government's commitment to strengthening the capacity of pension desk officers, improving administrative efficiency and promoting a more transparent, accurate and responsive pension system for serving and retired civil and public servants in the State.
By Orlando Otu
