Deputy Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Gombe State Council, Robert Shige, speaks with CHIMA AZUBUIKE on the condition of retirees in the state, the low monthly pensions received by some pensioners, the rising cost of living, among other issues
Tell us about your background?
I’m 73 years old. I joined the civil service on July 1, 1978. My first posting was to the Ministry of Education. At that time, I was interested in serving in the public sector and, like many people around me, I saw the civil service as an avenue through which one could contribute to society and build a career.
I later served under Kaltungo Local Government. I started with a Grade III qualification and continued to improve myself professionally while in service. I completed my Grade II and obtained the qualification after completing college in 1982.
As the years went by, I progressed through the service and eventually rose to Grade Level 14, where I retired as a senior officer.
