How Entertainment Pays My Bills in Retirement – Former Director

Seven years ago, Mr. Titus O. Akinbiyi retired as a Director after a meritorious career with the Lagos State Ministry of Education. The former school Principal and administrator now manages a band that keeps him engaged and pays his bills. He recently performed at the 60th birthday and retirement ceremony of Mrs. Ronke Otufodunrin, a Director in the Lagos State Ministry of Education. Akinbiyi advises civil servants to plan for their retirement and consider service provision post-retirement. DAYO EMMANUEL spoke with him, and here are the excerpts:

When did you retire, and how has life been since then?

This is my seventh year after retirement. Interestingly, the same amount I used to earn while in service is what I still earn today. Fortunately, I had a car before I retired. Many retirees are not finding it easy because of the economic situation in the country. However, we manage to get by, thanks to the cooperative societies we belong to. Some of us are involved in two or three cooperative societies to make ends meet. It hasn’t been easy for us as retirees. I’ve managing this band long before I retired. If the government isn’t supporting us as retired individuals, we have to support ourselves.

What is the name of your band, and were you involved in music before retirement?

My band is called Grace Praise Band, though people call me “E le Boje.” Yes, I have been singing long before I retired. There’s hardly a senior teacher who retired that I haven’t performed for or managed their event. I often perform at the retirement events of school principals. Music is my vocation.

There’s been a delay in paying the pensions and gratuities of retirees. In the past, we received just a small percentage of our pay, and as we age, health issues start to demand attention. If you’re retired and your children are grown, it’s easier, but if they’re still in school, you may struggle to enjoy your retirement. This music job has been a source of relief for me—it brings me joy and keeps me active. I like being on the move, and music provides that opportunity. As we age, our health requires attention, which is why we need to receive our entitlements on time.

What advice do you have for people approaching retirement?

Let me share an experience. I was invited to a government office, and I saw people there relaxing, enjoying the air-conditioned environment. They were surprised when I told them I was retired, because I looked young. If you plan ahead before retiring, you’ll enjoy your retirement. My advice to those still in service is to consider providing services after retirement. Many retirees open shops to sell provisions, but how much can you realistically earn from that? If you were earning N400,000 before retirement and now you’re making N50,000 from a shop, how will you survive?n Providing services is more sustainable.

By the grace of God, I have at least six events lined up this month. If I earn N50,000 per event, that’s substantial. I wouldn’t make as much by running a shop. Some retirees have ventured into event planning, becoming “Alagas” (masters of ceremonies), or decorating event halls. When you provide services, you don’t have to rely on your children, many of whom are still finding their feet. My advice to retirees is to become service providers or, if possible, invest in properties.

In some countries, their governments tap into the wealth of experience of retirees by training them and utilizing their skills. How would you advise the Nigerian government to engage retirees?

I listen to the news a lot, and many recommendations have been made to the government. How many of them have been implemented? The government formulates policies and expects civil servants to carry them out. My advice to the government is to create a database of retirees, train and retrain them, and utilize their vast experience. Retirees may not have the physical strength for certain tasks, but they can offer valuable advice. Sadly, in this part of the world, when you retire, you’re forgotten.

Could this neglect of retirees contribute to the high level of corruption in the civil service? Do civil servants resort to corrupt practices to secure their future, knowing they may wait years for their entitlements?

Yes, especially those in lucrative positions. Many civil servants engage in corrupt practices, and when caught, they face the Personnel Management Board (PMB), which disciplines them. Some are suspended without pay for six months, or even dismissed. Civil servants are constantly warned against illegal practices, but those who ignore the warnings and are caught during or after retirement face dire consequences.

Corruption is rampant, and it’s unfortunate. There’s something called “blessedness.” If you have good health, it’s a blessing from God. But if you have money and you’re spending it all on healthcare, is that a blessing? Unfortunately, the pursuit of money has corrupted the hearts of the younger generation. Only God can help us.

What subjects did you teach while in service?

I studied Language Arts and taught English Language and Literature in English. At some point, I also taught Yoruba language.