Akwa Ibom promises senior citizens protection on national day for elderly

Akwa Ibom State Government has stated its commitment to ensuring that elderly citizens in the state are given full protection from all forms of harmful practices, including undignified treatments.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ini Ememobong, gave the assurance at an event organised on Wednesday by Akwa Ibom Elderly Citizens Assembly (AKECA) to commemorate Nigeria’s first National Day for Senior Citizens, held at the L & L Hotel, Uyo.

Represented by his Permanent Secretary, Akparawa James Edet, the commissioner commended senior citizens in the state for their mentorship roles, especially in shaping the thought patterns of younger people to help them become responsible citizens.

While asking that elderly citizens in society be accorded respect and proper care, the commissioner said the state government would continue to promote policies and programmes that would give a sense of belonging to everyone, including the elderly.

“AKECA is made up of great men and women, who in their prime, contributed enormously to the creation and development of our state. Therefore, the state government is appreciative of the roles and the good examples that you have laid down for the younger generations to emulate,” the commissioner said.

Earlier, the National President of AKECA, Mkpisong Ememobong Essien, said the group was formed to provide a platform to advocate for the well-being of elderly citizens in the state.

He expressed excitement about the progress recorded by AKECA since its formation in 2015, noting that with more support from the state government and other individuals, the plight of many senior citizens in the state would be relieved.

In his address, the keynote speaker and Managing Director of L & L Hotel, Christopher Uwa, stressed the need for elderly people to maintain a balanced lifestyle through consumption of healthy meals and regular exercises.

He pointed out that it was important for older people to come together to celebrate themselves, which, according to him, would help them to occupy their minds positively, thus rekindling a feeling of belonging and support.

Muhammadu Buhari, in December 2021, declared October 5 as National Day of Senior Citizens, as a mark of honour and recognition of their contributions to national development.

The global theme for the 2022 edition is Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World.