The former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, has described the decision by the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to approve the implementation of a transformative Exit Benefit Scheme, granting retiring federal civil servants a gratuity equal to 100 per cent of their total annual emolument, as an avenue to boost productivity across Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs).
Ikuforiji said the decision demonstrated that the Tinubu administration is concerned about the welfare of the people, including the workers who labour daily to ensure the country functions effectively.
Effective from 1 January 2026, the scheme ensures that officers with at least 10 years of service retire with dignity and financial security.
He stated this yesterday during the 4th Ramadan Lecture and/Iftar with media executives held at his residence in GRA, Ikeja.
The former speaker said: “It is important for any society to take good care of its workers, particularly those who have served the government during their youth.
“But here, we do not care about them after retiring. And that is why I will commend President Bola Tinubu for approving policies that address workers’ welfare in the country.
“So, this is a step in the right direction by the Tinubu-led Federal Government. I know for sure that it will be an encouragement to those serving because they now understand that their labour isn’t in vain.
“This further proved that many of the things that we all thought would be impossible have been made possible under this administration”.
Meanwhile, he urged Nigerians to support the administration in its efforts to lay a better economic foundation and correct many lapses that have affected the country’s growth and development over the years.
“For us to have the society that we all desired, we all must be ready to change and embrace those value systems that will ensure the country gets better”.
Earlier, a Muslim cleric, Abdulhakeem Olapade, said that the country will become a better place if the conduct of the people is guided by the dictates and the will of Allah.
He also charged those in authority to be conscious and deliberate in ensuring that the masses enjoy good governance, which is rooted in transparency, fairness, accountability, and the rule of law.
Speaking on the topic, “Islam and the Challenges of Good Governance in Nigeria,” the Islamic scholar noted that Allah enjoined those who have been selected to lead to positively impact the lives of the people by ensuring that their rights are protected.
He, however, explained that those who want to demand their rights must first perform their civic responsibilities to the country.
According to him, everyone will render an account of their stewardship before Allah in the hereafter.
He added that Islam is a complete way of life that teaches how people must conduct themselves and relate with others in order to earn everlasting reward, which is paradise.
The cleric cleared the air on the misconception that Islam does not encourage the faithful to seek the good things of life, stressing that the wealthy who are conscious of their responsibilities stand a better chance of serving Allah better.
Another cleric at the event, Mutiu Orolu, who spoke on the quest for the 2027 general elections and the role of Muslims in nation-building, emphasised that Islam does not forbid the faithful from participating in politics.
He also cautioned against the attitude of some Nigerians who rain curses on leaders, adding that those who engage in such acts are neglecting the injunctions of Allah.
He explained that Allah enjoined believers to accept Him, the Prophet, and their leaders as part of their obedience in worship.
Orolu insisted that despite its shortcomings, democracy remains the best system of governance in the country, which has experienced over 26 years of democratic rule in the Fourth Republic.
He likened the participation of Muslims in electioneering activities, including voting, to an act of worship, but warned against vote-buying, vote-selling, and other acts capable of undermining the electoral process.
