The Executive Chairman of Mushin Local Government Area, Hon. Olatunbosun Haruna Aruwe, has celebrated retiring members of staff of the council, urging them to see retirement as the beginning of another active chapter of life rather than an end to productivity.

The retirees were honoured on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Mushin LGA Secretariat as they formally bowed out of active civil service after years of dedicated service to the government and the people.

Speaking at the colourful retirement ceremony, Aruwe congratulated the retirees for reaching the milestone, stressing that staying alive and healthy to witness retirement after years in public service was itself a significant achievement.

“I want to congratulate all of you for seeing today. Not everybody lives to see today as civil servants. I employ you to continue to take your health as a priority because I still see many of you living more than 50 years,” Hon. Aruwe said.

The council chairman encouraged the retirees to maintain healthy lifestyles, undergo regular medical check-ups and remain active without engaging in stressful activities.

According to him, retirement should not be interpreted as an invitation to withdraw completely from society.

Speaking with Mushines News, Aruwe said retirees could use their wealth of experience to contribute meaningfully to their communities through voluntary and community service.

“Many people retire from service and think it is time to limit themselves by relaxing and withdrawing from an active lifestyle. They should engage themselves in what gives them joy and makes them happy, and should consult their doctors regularly to know their health status,” he said.

He equally urged serving workers to make their health a priority, noting that good health is essential to enjoying a peaceful and fulfilling retirement.

“Those still in service should also take their health as a priority because it is only in good health that they can retire peacefully. They should also learn from those retiring so that they too can be celebrated like this,” Aruwe added.

As part of the ceremony, the retirees received certificates of service from the Lagos State Government, alongside customised centre rugs.

The Mushin Local Government management also presented cash, washing machines and deep freezers to the retirees as a gesture of appreciation for their years of service to the state and local government.

Their individual years of service and biographies were presented through citations during the ceremony.

The gathering also featured an emotional moment when dignitaries and people present observed a one-minute silence in honour of one of the 11 retirees who had passed away. Her children were present at the ceremony to represent her.

The event later took a celebratory turn with the cutting of the retirement cake, music and dancing, as Aruwe joined the retirees and members of the council management on the dance floor.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees and workers, the Chairman of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Mushin Chapter, Mr. Obe, commended Aruwe for what he described as an unprecedented welfare package and positive gesture towards retiring workers and council staff.

He pledged the continued support of the workers to the administration.

One of the retirees, Mrs. Agbomeji Adewunmi, expressed gratitude for being alive to witness her retirement day.

She thanked the council chairman and management for the gifts and words of encouragement, while advising serving workers to remain committed to their duties.

The celebration ended on a high note, with retirees, council officials, family members and guests joining together to celebrate a new chapter in the lives of the outgoing public servants.