The Akwa Ibom State Government, has once again demonstrated unwavering commitment to the welfare of elderly citizens through the disbursement of monthly stipends to beneficiaries across the state.
Speaking during the official disbursement ceremony, held at the Government House Banquet Hall, Uyo, on Wednesday, August 6, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Emem Ibanga, lauded Governor Umo Eno for his visionary and compassionate leadership, particularly in prioritizing the needs of the elderly, under the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly.
The Commissioner explained that 50,000 monthly stipend is being paid to 600 elderly citizens, drawn from across the 31 local government areas of the state, as part of efforts to provide consistent support and quality life for the elderly.
She emphasised that the initiative is not just a welfare programme, but a tangible expression of the government’s gratitude and respect for the invaluable contributions of the elderly to the growth and development of the state.
“This initiative is a token of our gratitude and a promise that their golden years will be dignified and secured. The Governor has continued to set a new standard in governance that is rooted in compassion and inclusivity,” the Commissioner stated.
Hon. Ibanga further highlighted key interventions under the Humanitarian sector of the ARISE Agenda to include, the ARISE Senior Citizens Centre, a pioneering facility dedicated to recreation, healthcare, and social support for the elderly when completed;
Regular Welfare Programmes such as the Health Insurance Scheme for the elderly, food distribution, and community engagement initiatives, strategic collaboration with local government councils to ensure inclusive and effective delivery of services to beneficiaries, irrespective of their location.
While addressing the elderly citizens, the Commissioner assured them that the present administration remains deeply committed to their well-being. “You are not forgotten. This government sees you, hears you, and will continue to stand by you,” she affirmed.
The Humanitarian Affairs boss, also called on families and communities to emulate the Governor’s compassionate disposition by extending care and attention to the aged around them. “Small acts of kindness multiply into lasting impact,” she noted.
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Etukudo, commended the Governor for the laudable initiative, describing it as a compassionate and inspiring intervention that has restored hope to the elderly.
She stressed that everyone deserves the opportunity to grow old, describing old age as a divine gift that should be treasured. She equally applauded the Governor’s inclusive approach to governance, which according to her is exemplary and worthy of emulation.
Earlier, the Coordinator, Arise Initiative for the Elderly, Mrs. Mercy Eka, disclosed that over 6,000 elderly persons have so far benefited from the programme, with an additional 1,200 that will receive, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 7,200 across the state. She explained that each beneficiary receives a monthly stipend of ₦50,000.
Mrs. Eka also announced that the Governor has approved free registration of senior citizens under the Arise Care Health Insurance Scheme, granting them access to quality healthcare at no cost.
The initiative, she noted, continues to rekindle hope among the elderly and reflects the Governor’s unprecedented compassion and commitment to inclusive welfare.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Wife of the APC State Chairman, Mrs. Ini Ntukekpo, and the Chairman of the State Secondary Education Board, Dr. Ekaette Okon. Both speakers paid glowing tributes to the Governor for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the elderly, noting that it has never been this impactful in the history of Akwa Ibom.
Other speakers included, Dr. Edikan Ekwere, who delivered a presentation on the Arise Care programme, and Elder Victor Akpan, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressing their heartfelt appreciation for the life-changing initiative.
The event was attended by the Wife of the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Uduak Essien, Honorary Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, wives of Commissioners, Vice Chairmen of councils, WALGON, traditional rulers, community leaders, and beneficiaries from the various Local Government Areas of the state.
