Retirement is the withdrawal from one’s occupation or active working life to solitude or privacy. But an anonymous quote once states that “Retirement is not the end of the road; it is the beginning of the open highway.” This is the quote that best describe Mr. Babajide Iyiola, a retired priest of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion who is now CEO/MD of Bootifi Ventures.
Bootifi Ventures is a group name for different goods and services including Botife Pure Water, Botife Oil Plantation and Bootifi Food Processing.
The former priest ventured into agriculture right after his time and absolute dedication to God, where he served as a worker and a priest for the lord. He has six hectres of palm plantation where he produces Bootifi palm oil and coconut oil.
He has a rice mill where rice is being processed into two varieties, the Ofada variety, also called Igbimo by Ondo and Ekiti indigents and other variety which can stand in comparison with the imported rice.
He also process and produces plantain flour which he describes as better than wheat. Mr. Babajide Iyiola indicates that his love for agriculture, research and his wish of contributing his own quota to ensure that the nation is fed makes him keep working in retirement.
Mr. Babajide Iyiola is a perfect example when talking about the 21st century retiree. He perfectly understands that retirement is no longer a transition into old age but an opportunity for new adventures and lifestyle freedom.
The 21st Century retiree is faced with increased complexities due to changing retirement systems, rising healthcare costs, increased longetivity and greater lifestyle options. Entrepreneurship has become an attractive alternative for aging employees who are seeking work on their own terms.
Entrepreneurship also allows retirees to shed un-enjoyable aspects of full-time work while maintaining the professional identity it took years to build.
