Financial experts have urged workers to take control of their future by starting retirement plan at their youthful age.
The financial experts gave the advice at ‘The Platform Nigeria 2026’ in Lagos on Friday.
The programme was convened by Pastor Poju Oyemade of The Covenant Nation (TCN), to foster growth in personal capacity and national productivity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum is themed: “Unlocking the Second Half Advantage: Transition, Impact and Legacy”.
Speaking, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Parthian Capital Limited, Mrs Ndidi Nkaonu, urged employees to prioritise early retirement planning for long-term financial security.
Nkaonu said relying solely on traditional and long-term pensions was no longer sufficient, making early personal financial planning essential for a secure future.
The expert emphasised the importance of reinventing oneself, making an impact.
She said: “Regardless of current salary levels, starting early is a “youthful’ requirement to secure a comfortable, non-working future.
“Beyond traditional pensions, employees should invest in a balanced portfolio, including stocks, Mutual Funds, and Real Estate for consistent passive income.
“The National Pension Commission (PenCom) also offers voluntary contribution plans, I recommend Annuity Plans for a steady, guaranteed income stream.
”To also make the second half meaningful, I urge workers not to make their children their retirement plan as economic pressures on younger generations are also intense.”
Another expert, the Founder & CEO, Nairametrics, Nigeria, Mr Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, explained that the event focused on the concept of “unlocking the second half” of life or career.
He said: ”The first half of life typically involves building a career, while the second half often follows retirement.
”Football is used as a metaphor for life, emphasizing the importance of playing and improving in the second half.
“So preparing for the second half of life is crucial and should start well before retirement.”
Obi-Chukwu noted that education and self-development were the key components for success in the second half.
He emphasised the importance of making an impact in the second half of life, saying that the second half of life should focus on intentionality and finding purpose.
The expert said challenges were expected in the second half, but they could be overcome with faith and determination.
In his words, a former Managing Director and CEO of Nigeria LNG Limited, Dr Babs Omotowa, said continuous skill development and networking were crucial for successful retirement planning.
Omotowa, also a transformational leader, said the decision on a retirement path should be made early, with consistent effort towards achieving it.
”He said: Multiple retirement pathways can provide flexibility and security. So successful retirement planning involves building assets and updating skills regularly.”
Omotowa said the ultimate goal was to determine a retirement identity and work consistently towards it.
NAN reports that the event featured industry leaders, builders, and thinkers offering insights to young entrepreneurs, start-ups, and professionals navigating career shifts.
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