I became executive beggar despite serving Lagos for 30 years – Ex-administrator

Michael Odesanya, a retired Head of Administration and Human Resources at Kosofe Local Government in Lagos State, has described his post-retirement life as that of an "executive beggar." Despite a 30-year career in the Lagos State Civil Service, culminating in his retirement on March 13, 2026, Odesanya faces significant hardship due to delays in receiving his retirement benefits.

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I retired as the Head of Administration and Human Resources at Kosofe Local Government. My substantive rank was Chief Administrative Officer on Grade Level 14.

Odesanya, who is physically challenged, having contracted polio at a young age, recounted his service, which began on July 4, 1996. He retired at Grade Level 14, expecting a peaceful phase of life. While his retirement ceremony was memorable and he felt appreciated by the local government chairman and staff, a promised official vehicle was not provided. This disappointment was overshadowed by the subsequent struggles to access his entitlements.

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Like every public servant, I expected retirement to mark the beginning of another peaceful phase of life. I looked forward to resting after decades of service while remaining active in society.

His disability, which began shortly before his third birthday, did not deter him from pursuing a career. He benefited from a policy that employed physically challenged graduates, leading to his employment six years after graduation. Throughout his service, Odesanya faced infrastructural challenges in public buildings, which were often not designed with accessibility in mind. He expressed gratitude to the various local government chairmen under whom he served for their support despite these systemic limitations.

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The Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, Mr Moyosore Ogunlewe, the Council Manager, Mrs Mosunmola Okoka, and members of staff organised a colourful celebration that also coincided with my 60th birthday. I genuinely felt appreciated.

The current predicament highlights the difficulties faced by retirees, particularly those with disabilities, in navigating bureaucratic processes to secure their benefits. Odesanya's situation underscores the gap between the expectation of a comfortable retirement after decades of service and the harsh reality of financial instability and bureaucratic hurdles.

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The only disappointment was that the chairman had repeatedly promised to provide official vehicles for some retiring senior officers, including me, but that never happened.