The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring the well-being of the elderly in Nigeria. During a visit to Amazing Grace Foundation, an elderly people’s home in Abuja, the Acting Director General of PenCom, Ms Omolola Oloworaran, highlighted the importance of recognising and supporting the contributions of elderly generations.
The visit was part of activities held by PenCom to commemorate the 2024 Customer Service Week. PenCom’s dedication to senior citizens reflects its broader commitment to the well-being of retirees. The visit aimed to engage with elderly residents at the home and offer a token donation to support their welfare.
In her remarks, Ms Oloworaran said PenCom would continue to support the future of workers and honour the legacy of the elderly.
She expressed deep gratitude for the role the elderly generation has played in nation-building. PenCom Acting DG said, “It is because of you that we are here today. At PenCom, we believe in building a system that cares for every generation. It is not only about securing the future but also about respecting and honouring the legacy of those that came before us.”
Ms. Oloworaran spoke warmly about the value and wisdom that elders bring to society. She stressed that their contributions must be recognised and supported, adding, “The work that you did is the reason we are standing here today. You are a very important part of the society to us.”
The Commissioner, of Finance, at PenCom, Dr. Charles Sylvester Emukowhate, echoed this sentiment, affirming that PenCom’s mandate is to care for both current and future retirees.
“They are yesterday’s workers and today’s pensioners. And we are today’s workers and tomorrow’s retirees,” he said. He further underscored PenCom’s role in safeguarding the welfare of the elderly and ensuring that retirees are well cared for.
Dr. Ifeyinwa Mary Obegolu, President of Amazing Grace Foundation, represented by the Foundation’s Director, expressed gratitude for PenCom’s support. She shared her passion for elderly care, which has driven her to create a space that provides shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation for the elderly.
She said whenever the Foundation learns of an elderly person in distress, the organisation promptly sends its team to assess the situation. After profiling the person, the team brings the person to the facility, provides accommodation and care.
The Foundation also strives to influence government policies to better address the needs of the ageing population in Nigeria.
The Amazing Grace Foundation provides a vital service to the elderly, some of whom were previously neglected or treated as outcasts. “We have some that are not resident here, but we reach out to them,” the Foundation Director noted, highlighting the ongoing efforts to provide care for the elderly beyond those housed in their facility.
As it prepares to re-energise its workforce towards going Above and Beyond in customer service, PenCom also held a Health Walk for its staff. The walk, which spanned about 4 kilometres, aimed at promoting physical wellness and a healthy lifestyle.
During the event, the Acting DG tasked staff on the importance of staying healthy and reiterated PenCom’s dedication to the well-being of its employees. She noted that a vibrant and healthy workforce is essential for delivering excellent customer service in line with the spirit of the 2024 Customer Service Week theme.
Ms. Oloworaran reminded staff that their health and vitality are crucial to the success of the organisation. By encouraging wellness activities like the Health Walk, PenCom aims to create a productive and engaged team capable of serving the public more effectively.
In conclusion, the wide array of activities organised by PenCom to commemorate the 2024 Customer Service Week highlights its renewed commitment to delivering excellent service in the pension industry. The launch of the PenCom Service Charter and the Consumer Protection Framework will further strengthen and enhance service delivery, setting a new standard for customer satisfaction in the CPS space in Nigeria.