Retirement Wisdom from Mr. Sunday Erisa: A Journey with AFENET

This week, Mr. Sunday Erisa retired from AFENET, marking the end of a fulfilling chapter in a career that spanned over a decade. His journey with AFENET began in 2011 when he joined the EMBLEM project, after working in South Sudan with Management Sciences for Health. Reflecting on his time at AFENET, Mr. Erisa shared both the milestones of his career and valuable lessons for navigating retirement.

“When I joined AFENET, I didn’t know many people, but over the years I got to know them and grew close to the team,” he reminisced. Even though the EMBLEM study officially concluded, the data analysis continues, and Mr. Erisa eagerly looks forward to the final report. His contributions weren’t limited to the project alone. He served as Acting Head of Administration before transitioning to the Grants Office, earning the respect and trust of colleagues and leadership alike.

“I was considered worthy by many of the staff, and I am thankful to AFENET’s management for keeping me as part of the team for so long,” he said. “AFENET mentored me, and I’m proud to have been part of such a remarkable organization.”

Retirement Tips from Mr. Sunday Erisa

As someone who has carefully prepared for this stage of life, Mr. Erisa shared practical retirement tips, grounded in his own experience and planning. Here are his top five pieces of advice:

1. Retirement Begins the Day You Start Working
   “You should start planning for retirement the day you begin your career. As you work, always keep in mind the day you will leave. It’s important to have a long-term view.”
2. Life’s Key Events Cannot Be Denied
   “At the center of our lives are events like marriage, having children, and building a home. These are unavoidable. At the age of 35, I made sure I had land, a wife, and children. It’s also important to decide on the number of children you want. Don’t retire with a pregnant wife! By the time I had my last child, I made sure they would be 20 years old by the time I retired—and I’ve achieved that.”
3. Plan According to Your Job Environment
   “I never worked in a pensionable job because I chose to work in NGOs. But when I join a project, I commit to seeing it through to the end. Experience takes time to gain, but reliability is key.”
4. Discipline is Essential for a Peaceful Retirement
   “Discipline is part of retirement. Without discipline, you risk retiring into chaos. Retire peacefully—live a life free from competition and envy, because it will only backfire on you.”
5. Humility is Key
   “Retire in humility. Be grateful for what you’ve accomplished and content with where you are. Life after retirement should be peaceful, not filled with regrets or rivalry.”

A Grateful Farewell

As Mr. Erisa prepares for this new phase of life, he extends his heartfelt thanks to the AFENET staff, management, and board members who supported him throughout his journey. His retirement comes with pride and a sense of accomplishment, knowing he gave his best and learned valuable lessons along the way.

“AFENET has been an incredible part of my journey. I’m grateful for the mentorship, the friendships, and the opportunities. Now, I look forward to the future with the same dedication and discipline that guided me throughout my career.”

With these words, Mr. Sunday Erisa leaves a lasting legacy at AFENET—a reminder of the importance of preparation, discipline, and humility as the foundation for both a successful career and a peaceful retirement.