The Lonely Road of Retirement: One Man’s Journey
By Gambo H. Jagindi
May 04, 2025
When Mohamed Zakari traded in his briefcase for a life of leisure, he thought he’d finally found the freedom he’d been working towards for decades. But little did he know, retirement would bring its own set of challenges – including the unexpected drift of friendships.
The first year of retirement was a rude awakening. Phone calls went unanswered, and familiar faces seemed to fade into the background. The structured life he once knew, built around the rhythm of office hours and watercooler chats, was gone. And with it, a sense of purpose and belonging.
“I felt like I was losing my identity,” Zakari recalls. “The relationships I’d built over the years seemed to be tied to my job. When that thread was cut, everything unraveled.”
Zakari’s experience is not unique. Many retirees face similar struggles as they navigate this new chapter of life. The sudden loss of social interaction, the absence of a daily routine, and the search for new meaning can be overwhelming.
However, Zakari’s story also offers a glimmer of hope. Through his journey, he’s discovered the importance of nurturing relationships beyond the workplace. He’s learned to diversify his connections, explore new interests, and redefine his sense of purpose.
Today, Zakari’s advice to those approaching retirement is clear: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Build relationships that transcend your professional life. Pursue hobbies, volunteer, and find new passions. Retirement is not the end of purpose – it’s a new beginning.”
As Zakari looks back on his journey, he’s found a sense of peace and contentment. His story serves as a reminder that retirement is not just about leaving a job; it’s about embracing a new chapter of life – with all its challenges and opportunities.
Another Devastating Impact on the life of a retired civil servants is the Contributory Pension Scheme’s
The Contributory Pension Scheme, touted as a retirement safety net, has proven to be a killer pill for many retired civil servants in Nigeria. Under this scheme, retirees are forced to accept a meager 25% refund of their lifetime savings, while a staggering 75% is withheld by pension administrators. This retained amount is then doled out in pitiful installments, treating pensioners like beggars rather than rightful owners of their own funds.
Meanwhile, those entrusted with managing these retirement savings live in luxury, reaping huge benefits while pensioners struggle to make ends meet. This glaring injustice demands urgent attention.
We urge the Nigerian Labour Congress to rise to the challenge and demand the repeal of the law supporting this draconian scheme. It’s imperative that the rights of pensioners are protected, and their retirement savings are managed with dignity and fairness.
The Contributory Pension Scheme’s purpose is anti-pensioner, and it’s time for collective action to safeguard the welfare of retired civil servants. Together, we can create a more just and equitable retirement system that prioritizes the dignity of those who have served the nation.”
So, what does a fulfilling retirement look like? For Zakari, it’s about staying engaged, connected, and purposeful. It’s about finding new ways to contribute, learn, and grow. And it’s about embracing the unknown with courage, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.
As we navigate the complexities of retirement, Zakari’s story offers a valuable perspective: this chapter of life may be uncertain, but it’s also full of possibility.
Jagindi is a labour activist and a Digital media Publisher writes from Abuja can be reached via jagindi2016@gmail.com, 07065466654