By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Not less than 250 elderly persons selected from.across the 31 Local Councils of Akwa Ibom yesterday received a cash support of N100,000 each from the wife of the President, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu.
The cash gifts was in fulfillment of the Renewed Hope Elderly Support Initiative, RHES, of the First Lady.
Wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mrs Patience Umo Eno who made the donation on behalf of Tinubu at the occasion said the party which would have been held in the month of December 2023, was shifted to the new year due to many engagements and said it was the beginning of the many in the series to come.
Eno, who expressed happiness at seeing the Senior citizens, said she was happy that the event coincided on the day the apex court in the country certified the electoral victory of her husband.
“This event did not happen today by chance. It happened on the day the Supreme Court certified my husband as the authentic winner of the last gubernatorial election. It means that I will always be here to celebrate with you people as your Governor’s wife.” The First Lady stated.
Setting the tone for the event earlier, the Personal Assistant to the Governor’s Wife on Special Duties, Hon. Ann Abraham, said that the new year celebration with the elderly was prompted by the First Lady’s resolve to enhance and cater to the well-being of the aged in the state.
Presenting a health talk at the event, the Personal Physician to the Governor, Dr. Ekem John and Dr. Uduak Nkanta, harped on the need for regular medical check up to help identify early warning signs of disease or illness.
They listed ailments common among the elderly to include high blood pressure, stroke, Diabetes and others, noting that early detection of any health condition enables one to take precautions, get the best healthcare and reduce the risk of developing more health issues.
Some beneficiaries who spoke at the event expressed elation over the gesture of the Wife of the President to host and empower them and as well thanked the Governor’s wife for implementing the scheme in the state.
