To ameliorate the effect of the harsh economic realities in the country, 1200 elderly persons in Akwa Ibom State on Friday, August 9, 2024, have each received N50,000 and medical care as part of benefits of the ARISE Initiative For the Elderly Support Scheme, a programme established by the Akwa Ibom State Government in support of Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for the Elderly Support Programme.
Tagged ‘Caring For Our Parents’, the programme which caters for the ageing and aged people in the state, drew beneficiaries from the 31 Local Government Areas and other ethnic nationalities residing in the state.
In her remarks at the event, Wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, explained that the programme was a combination of May and June editions with 600 beneficiaries selected from each of the two editions.
While acknowledging the years of service put in by the senior citizens in the advancement and development of the state, the Governor’s wife expressed her continuous commitment to their health and well-being.
“This particular edition of the programme is special because it is an August celebration of a merger of two sets of beneficiaries for the months of May and June, hence this convergence of one thousand two hundred of our aged parents.
“As a Government, we are committed to your health and well-being hence, the establishment of this monthly programme by my dear husband, your Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
“Today, I acknowledge as always, the contributions made by the men and women seated in this hall, to the rapid development of the state and I appeal to you all to prioritise your health, nurture your minds and strengthen your bonds with loved ones and with God,” she said.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan in her remarks appreciated the Governor and his wife for the programme and said it has eased the pains associated with the very harsh economy in the country.
Dr. Adiakpan further said that her Ministry would soon domesticate the National Ageing Framework which according to her, will provide a direction for the elderly in the State in line with the ARISE Agenda.
Similarly, the Coordinator of the ARISE Initiative For the Elderly, Mrs. Mercy Eka described the programme as one of the many people – oriented initiatives targeted at supporting those in need and giving hope to the poorest of the poor in the state.
The event featured a special tribute and presentation of a gift to Obongawan Arit Willie Ekpo, a 101 year-old from Uyo Local Government Area, who spoke on behalf of the recipients and thanked the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno and wife for giving every Akwa Ibom person a sense of belonging.
Another beneficiary and non-indigene, 65 year-old Hassan Bello, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Governor’s wife for recognizing the elderly and remembering them. He prayed for God’s guidance to grant the Governor the wisdom to complete his two terms successfully.
The ceremony which had in attendance the wife of the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mrs Margaret Otong, Commissioners, Local Government Chairmen and wives together with other Government functionaries, featured medical checks, dancing competitions on senatorial district basis, other fun activities, as well as cultural performances by the Divine Troup of the Divine Childrens Home, making the event an unforgettable celebration.
