Retirement Is Not Time for Side Chicks, Victoria Ekhomu Tells Police Officers
Security expert and Chairperson of Transworld Security Limited, Dr. Victoria Ekhomu, has advised serving police officers not to view retirement as a period for frivolities or extramarital affairs, stressing that it should instead be seen as the beginning of a new and purposeful phase of life.
Dr. Ekhomu gave the advice while delivering a lecture at the Gallant Officers’ Recognition and Welfare Initiative organised by Naija Police & You.
Speaking on the importance of retirement planning, she urged officers to prepare deliberately for life after service, noting that every decision made during active service contributes significantly to the quality of retirement.
“Every promotion, every savings decision, every investment, every educational qualification and every relationship you build contributes to the quality of your retirement,” she said.
The security expert lamented that many officers spend decades protecting lives and property while neglecting to prepare adequately for their own future.
According to her, retirement often comes with major challenges, including financial adjustment, psychological adjustment, health concerns and family reintegration. She noted that while salaries stop at retirement, expenses continue, making financial planning essential.
She advised officers to develop multiple legitimate sources of income before retirement, save consistently and invest wisely to ensure financial stability after leaving active service.
Dr. Ekhomu also stressed the importance of rebuilding family relationships, noting that many officers spend years away from home due to postings and operational demands.
“Retirement means reconnecting with your family. Build healthy relationships with your spouse, children and community before retirement, not after. Retirement is not the time to spend with a side chick,” she said.
She outlined ten practical steps for successful retirement, including financial discipline, acquisition of new skills, building professional networks, planning a second career, maintaining integrity, embracing technology, continuing community service, protecting mental health, planning one’s estate and never giving up on personal dreams.
Encouraging officers to look forward to life after service, she observed that many successful individuals recorded their greatest achievements after retirement.
“Your next chapter could become your best chapter,” she said.
Dr. Ekhomu concluded by reminding officers that retirement is not the end of relevance but the beginning of a new season of purpose.
“Your uniform may eventually come off, but your experience, courage, leadership and service to Nigeria remain invaluable. The true measure of a successful police career is not only how honourably you served, but how meaningfully you continue to live after service,” she stated.
She congratulated officers being recognised for their courage, sacrifice and dedication to protecting lives and property, while also commending the organisers for investing in the future welfare and wellbeing of Nigeria’s gallant officers.
