By Solomon OKPO
The Wife of the President of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for a nationwide replication of the elderly welfare model introduced by Umo Eno, describing it as a compassionate and practical approach to caring for senior citizens.
Mrs. Tinubu made the call in Uyo while commissioning an ultra-modern Senior Citizens’ Centre built by the Akwa Ibom State Government and named in her honour.
The First Lady expressed delight over the project, noting that initiatives designed to cater for the elderly hold special significance for her, particularly in view of the challenges many older persons face in society.
She lamented that some senior citizens are forced into begging due to ill health and lack of support, stressing that the centre aligns with her long-standing commitment to the welfare of older persons. She recalled that during her 12-year tenure in the Senate, she consistently initiated programmes aimed at improving the wellbeing of senior citizens.
Mrs. Tinubu acknowledged that the centre was originally conceived by the late wife of the governor, Patience Umo Eno, and commended Governor Eno for sustaining and expanding the vision.
According to her, the facility will provide a conducive environment for relaxation and recreation for the elderly while helping them maintain active and fulfilling lives.
She also applauded the governor for localizing her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Elderly Support Scheme in Akwa Ibom State and urged the Senate leadership to revisit a bill she proposed during her time in the National Assembly aimed at establishing legal protection and support for senior citizens across the country.
In his remarks, Governor Eno thanked the First Lady for honouring the state with her presence and for commissioning the centre as part of activities marking the celebration of International Women’s Day with women in Akwa Ibom.
He formally announced the naming of the facility as the “Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre,” noting that the project reflects the compassionate vision of his late wife.
The governor highlighted several initiatives undertaken by his administration to support elderly citizens, including the payment of backlog of gratuities and monthly financial assistance for older persons across the state.
According to him, 600 elders drawn from the 369 wards in Akwa Ibom currently receive N50,000 each monthly to support their basic needs, while many have also been enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme free of charge.
“In old age, our elders should not walk alone. We must show gratitude for the years they have toiled and sacrificed for the development of our state,” Governor Eno said.
He disclosed that the government plans to replicate the senior citizens’ centre in the other two senatorial districts and would soon transmit a bill to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to institutionalize government care for elderly citizens.
Also speaking, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended Governor Eno for his commitment to the welfare of senior citizens and for naming the facility after the First Lady.
Providing an overview of the project, the Delivery Advisor, Ita-Awan James, explained that the centre was designed to address the needs of elderly citizens, many of whom have been neglected after years of service.
She noted that the facility includes a clinic for healthcare services, recreational areas, exercise facilities and game rooms, as well as trained caregivers to ensure comfort and a sense of belonging for the elderly.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including the wife of the Senate President, Unoma Akpabio; the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akon Eyakeneyi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong; the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, among others.
