By: Theresa Donatus, Uyo.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for the nationwide adoption of the elderly care model introduced by Umo Eno, describing it as a commendable initiative that prioritizes the welfare of senior citizens.

Mrs. Tinubu made the call during the commissioning of an ultra-modern senior citizens’ centre named in her honour in Uyo. The facility, built by the Akwa Ibom State Government, is aimed at providing care, relaxation, and social support for elderly residents in the state.

The First Lady expressed delight at projects designed to cater for the elderly, noting that the newly commissioned centre aligns with her vision of what a senior citizens’ facility should be.

She lamented that many elderly persons in Nigeria have been forced into begging due to ill health and lack of support, recalling that during her 12 years in the Senate she consistently championed programmes to support senior citizens.

While acknowledging that the project was originally conceived by the late wife of the governor, Patience Umo Eno, Mrs. Tinubu commended Governor Eno for sustaining the vision and for inviting her to commission the centre.

According to her, the facility will provide not only a place for recreation and relaxation but also help elderly citizens maintain an active lifestyle and improve their wellbeing.

She also praised the governor for localising her Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme, urging the leadership of the National Assembly of Nigeria to revisit a bill she previously sponsored seeking a national law to protect and support senior citizens.

In his remarks, Governor Eno thanked the First Lady for visiting the state to commission the centre and to celebrate International Women’s Day with women in the state.

He formally named the facility the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre, explaining that the project reflects his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of elderly citizens.

Governor Eno noted that his government has taken several steps to support senior citizens, including the payment of backlog of gratuities and the introduction of a monthly support programme for the elderly across the state.

According to him, 600 elderly persons in each of the state’s 369 wards receive a monthly stipend of ₦50,000 to support their immediate needs, while many have also been enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme at no cost.

The governor further disclosed plans to replicate the project in the other two senatorial districts of the state and to send a bill to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to establish a legal framework for government care for the elderly.

“This is our way of appreciating our elders for their service, mentorship and sacrifices to the state,” the governor said, adding that the government would continue to prioritise the welfare of senior citizens.

Also speaking at the event, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended Governor Eno for naming the centre after the First Lady and for demonstrating commitment to the wellbeing of elderly citizens.

Providing an overview of the project, the Delivery Advisor, Ita-Awan James, said the facility was designed to address the needs of elderly citizens who have often been neglected despite their contributions to society.

She explained that the centre is equipped with a clinic for healthcare services, recreational facilities, exercise areas, and game rooms, all aimed at ensuring comfort and a sense of belonging for senior citizens.

The event attracted top government officials, including the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo; the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong; the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akon Eyakenyi; and the wife of the Senate President, Unoma Akpabio, among other dignitaries.