The Imo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of elderly residents through programmes aimed at enhancing their quality of life.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Ruby Emele, gave the assurance at the maiden town hall meeting and free medical outreach organised by the Better Life for Aged Men Foundation (BLAMF) for persons aged 60 and above. The event was held at Orji in Owerri North Local Government Area of the state.

Emele said the initiative aligns with Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Shared Prosperity 3R agenda, which prioritises the welfare of vulnerable groups. She commended the Vision Bearer and Executive Director of BLAMF, Ambassador Jerry Osuji, for what she described as a visionary and compassionate initiative.

She assured the foundation of the ministry’s partnership in expanding programmes that would improve the lives of elderly people across the state’s communities.

According to her, the collaboration would create a wider impact by restoring hope, dignity, gratitude, and a sense of belonging among senior citizens at the grassroots.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Imo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Kosisochukwu Ekeh-Njoku, represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Uchenna Odom, pledged the agency’s continued support for the foundation.

He commended BLAMF for addressing the critical challenge of ensuring accessible healthcare for the elderly and said the agency would continue to explore sustainable partnerships to bring primary healthcare services closer to senior citizens.

In his address, the Vision Bearer and Executive Director of BLAMF, Ambassador Jerry Osuji, said the foundation was established out of a divine mandate to address loneliness, neglect, and social isolation among people aged 60 and above.

“For too long, the silent struggles of our senior citizens have gone unnoticed. Today marks a turning point. BLAMF is here to build a sanctuary of care, companionship, and advocacy, and this town hall is just the beginning of our deep community-rooted interventions,” he said.

Osuji appreciated the public-spirited individuals and corporate organisations that supported the programme, describing the outreach as a comprehensive intervention that combined healthcare, advocacy, and social inclusion for elderly persons.

He said beneficiaries underwent medical examinations, vital sign checks, and consultations, while essential medications were distributed to support their continued treatment after the outreach.

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Orji Community, Dr. Innocent Opara, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Chief Nath Anozie, represented by the branch Treasurer, Peter Ehirim, commended the foundation for choosing Orji as the venue for its maiden outreach.

Anozie lamented that elderly citizens are often excluded from empowerment programmes organised by governments, corporate organisations, and individuals, while greater attention is usually given to youths and women. He called for more deliberate efforts to include senior citizens in future interventions.

Highlights of the event included free medical check-ups, distribution of prescription drugs, hospitality for participants, and musical entertainment by renowned highlife musician Isaac Chinagorom.