A key to comfortable retirement

By STELLA BITAIT’S AN anguished feeling when you have to go through all odds to get educated, attain a diploma and then finding employment becomes a boring task when you are repeatedly hitting a brick wall with all the negative responses.
It’s even sadder when you come from a very remote part of a province where service delivery is not at its prime. However, there is always a rainbow after every drizzle, sunshine after every storm and light at the end of the tunnel.
These are the realities that Nambawan Choice Super member, Adrian Topi from Hawakabia Village in the Kotidanga LLG in the Kerema District of Gulf had to go through to finally becoming a successful self-reliant entrepreneur.
Kotidanga LLG is only accessible by plane or a three day walk up into rugged terrain from Didimaua Village the last boat stop up the Tairuma River.
Adrian first heard about Choice Super from relatives in Port Moresby whilst studying at an Adult Learning Centre in 2016.
An advert on TV one afternoon further confirmed his speculations on the Choice Super product.
“I was at a relative’s house one afternoon when a TV advertisement caught my attention. It was the Choice Super advert. The advert showed pictures of fisherman, dinghy operators, trade store owners, farmers and many informal sector businesses and delivered the message that a little investment can make a change towards your future.
“I always thought superannuation was only for the working class only, however I am very happy that Nambawan Super has tapped into the informal sector enabling me to open a Choice Super account. My responsibility now is ensuring that I do my monthly deposits without fail so my money grows ideally in a safe and secure financial environment without any fees and charges,” says Adrian.
After completing his diploma and attaining his advanced diploma in government studies, Adrian started on his venture to look for employment. However it was very hard to find a job.
He moved back to Kerema and started a consultancy business. Upon earning some form of income, Adrian wasted no time in opening a Choice Super account. He now contributes on a monthly basis.
Before joining Choice Super, Adrian did not have any savings account. He is now encouraging his fellow villagers to join Choice Super and invest for the future.
Already 10 have joined up, among them are two of his cousins and three local entrepreneurs in his Kotidanga LLG area.
They have a bold and visionary dream for saving and investing through Nambawan Super – a dream that could change their lives for the better.
Adrian’s dream is to own a permanent house and a vehicle for the frequent travels he does to Port Moresby and back. He believes that with Nambawan Super’s Choice Super he should achieve his dreams.
Nambawan Super chief executive officer, Paul Sayer reiterates that Choice Super is a product developed to facilitate voluntary superannuation services targeting the informal sector market with a minimum regular contribution of K20 on a fortnightly or monthly basis. Members are also encouraged to do lump sum deposits for a rapid growth of their savings.
Choice Super members also enjoy the services and benefits that are accorded to compulsory Nambawan Super members. These services and benefits include the housing advance scheme, Nambawan Loyalty Discount and Nambawan Savings and Loans.

• Stella Bita is the Senior Publications and Media Officer at Nambawan Super Ltd.