Emma Sunday
The 2024 PAL Pensions Alliance Limited Retirees Forum with the theme: “Post Work Reality – PAL Advantage,” has ended in Port Harcourt, Rivers State with emphasis on better saving habit and healthcare for retirees.
Regional Manager, South-South of PAL Pensions Alliance Limited, Obinna Onuoha in his address gave an industry update on the Pension Commission.
Further in his presentation at the forum, Mr. Onuoha presented an overview analysis of the difference between “Programmed Withdrawal Vs. Annuity,” pointing out that Programmed Withdrawal is offered by a PFA, which is designed to pay pension for life, while Annuity is being offered by an insurance company, which also pays pension for life.
Explaining further on the issue of “Pension Benefit Options” which was presented by Mr. Ndifreke Jonah of PAL Pensions Service Centre (PSC), Onuoha disclosed that payments on Annuity are static over the time with little interest, while that of Programmed Withdrawal grows with interest over the years, among others.
Giving his medical advice, Dr. Chukwuka Obeme of HYGEIA (HMO), who made a presentation on the theme: “Healthcare For The Elderly,” opined that reading and resting would help to improve the aging brain of the elderly.
He enjoined retirees to eat healthy foods, reduce alcoholic intake, attend family or village meetings and to relate with people in the street to avoid depression.
Obeme further added that the control of one’s blood pressure, taking active walks on daily basis, increase cholesterol level, relaxing and diet control, among others will help to ensure a better living for the elderly.
The duo of Mr. Ogbonna Kalu and Mr. Joel Edebeh of FSDH Merchant Bank Limited, spoke on their services and efforts in ensuring that monies deposited by customers are well secured, as well as investment opportunities for customers.
Some of the retirees, which include: Mr. Afolabi Olushola Emmanuel and Mr. Maduoma Uzoma, among others, lauded PAL Pensions for being prompt in their service delivery, especially in its monthly pension payments to retirees.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Onuoha said: “We are striving to near perfection and pray that the retirees will live to enjoy the fruit of their labour.”
High points of the event include: provision of question and answer session, as well as healthcare services provided by a medical team for the retirees at the forum.
