By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
600 elders in Akwa Ibom have each received N50,000 as part of the ARISE Initiative For The Elderly, a programme designed by the State Government to identify the priority needs of senior citizens and to cater for such needs.
Speaking during the maiden edition of the programme in Uyo, wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mrs Patience Umo Eno said the programme was also in furtherance with the directive of Nigeria’s First Lady, to initiate such in all the 36 states of the country.
Eno said the programme which would hold monthly, is expected to help cushion the effects of the hardship experienced by senior citizens and prayed for them to live long in good health.
“I want to pray that the Lord continue to strengthen you. May He keep you well, strong and sound even at 100 years old. You will all live beyond 100 years old. You will not leave us just yet.” The First Lady said.
Coordinator of ARISE Initiative, Mrs. Mercy Eka, said the scheme which was conceived in support of the Renewed Hope Initiative of the wife of the President, has been domesticated in the State to reach out to different sets of senior citizens every month, including the elderly of other tribes resident in Akwa Ibom.
Eka said the 600 beneficiaries were selected from all the wards in the 31 Local Councils of the state to receive stipends and medical care, assuring that more senior citizens would be accommodated in subsequent months.
The event was preceded by a medical outreach to cater for the health needs of the elderly.
