INTERNATIONAL DAY OF OLDER PERSONS: Abia Govt Pledges Enhanced Support for the Elderly
The Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti has restated the state governments commitment to strengthening the care and support systems that honour the dignity of older persons and caregivers across the state.
Mrs Otti who stated this at an event organized by the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection in conjunction with the office of the Wife of the Governor, to mark this years International Day of Older Persons, held at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs (JAAC Building) Umuahia, reiterated governments determination to continue to assist older individuals to maintain their activity levels and independence as they progress in age.
The Wife of the Governor while describing older persons as an integral part of the present administration in the state, disclosed that this year’s event highlights the urgent need to expand training and educational opportunities in geriatrics and gerontology, address the global shortage of care workers, and recognize the diverse contributions of caregivers.
The First Lady emphasized the importance of protecting the human rights of both caregivers and care recipients, promoting person-centered approaches to care that respect the dignity, beliefs, needs, privacy of older persons, pointing out that it has become imperative to adjust to the increasing number of elderly individuals who possess a diverse range of functional capacities.
In her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Ngozi Blessing-Felix while welcoming all to the 3rd National commemoration of Day of Older Persons in the state, disclosed that the day embodies respect, gratitude and a profound recognition of the invaluable contributions that the senior citizens have made to the fabrics of the society.
Mrs Felix applauded Governor Alex Otti and his Wife for their undying love, compassion and commitment towards the welfare of older people, and reiterated governments commitment to fortify the care and support systems available to older persons as well as create environments tailored to meet their multifaceted needs physically, emotionally and socially.
Delivering a lecture on the topic, “Promoting Healthy Ageing through nutrition and exercise,” a medical expert from the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Dr Kelechi Onyeri advised elderly people to always eat balanced diets and ensure they engage in regular exercise in other to remain fit and healthy.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s International Day of Older persons, “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide”, the Keynote Speaker and Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Mazi Ugochukwu Okoroafor and Chief Mrs B.U Ahia, described older people as the conscience of the society and explained that the present administration is fully committed to creating the necessary structures that will drive economic development across the state.
In a vote of thanks, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups, Mrs Ifeoma Thomas thanked Governor Otti and his wife for catering for the needs of older persons in the state and enjoined the senior citizens to maintain a healthy lifestyle and remain great sources of inspiration to the upcoming generation.
The event which featured goodwill messages, dancing competition, old school dance, cutting of anniversary cake, distribution of gifts to 300 elderly people from the 17 LGAs also attracted the presence of the commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Mrs Maureen Ijeoma-Aghukwa, her Ministry of Agriculture counterpart, Dr Cliff Agabeze, Aides to the Governor among other notable personalities.