The Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, has explained the rationale behind the enactment of the state’s Senior Citizens Law of 2025, stating that the government has already produced an implementation manual to guide its execution.

Kanu spoke to journalists after the weekly meeting of the State Executive Council, noting that the law provides a structured framework to promote the participation, security, independence, dignity, and self-fulfilment of senior citizens in the state.

He added that the legislation also addresses the health, mental, and psychological needs of elderly persons.

According to the commissioner, the law is not intended as a direct cash payment or “cash-out” programme for the elderly, but rather as a comprehensive policy framework that brings together various programmes and interventions aimed at improving the welfare of senior citizens.

Kanu listed some of the initiatives under the law to include the celebration of the International Day of Older Persons, housing support for the aged as well as indigent and displaced persons, health support for vulnerable elderly citizens, financial assistance and social insurance, and food and nutritional support tailored to the needs of older persons.

He assured that the Abia State Government remains committed to the full and effective implementation of the law, alongside other policy initiatives designed to guarantee social protection for vulnerable elderly citizens across the state.

Kanu also recalled that even before the formal enactment of the Senior Citizens Law, the office of the governor’s wife and key ministries—including Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Health, and Women Affairs—had been collaborating with other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to implement programmes supporting senior citizens.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, disclosed that Governor Alex Otti had approved the constitution of a nine-member committee tasked with developing the policy framework to guide the implementation of the law.

She said the policy draft would be made public and is expected to be ready by April 2026.

Felix added that a permanent office for Senior Citizens would soon be established, while a board would also be constituted to oversee the implementation of the law.