Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to show greater compassion and care for elderly people within their families and communities, stressing that such support can help them live longer and more fulfilling lives.
She made the appeal on Saturday during the inauguration of the Arise Senior Citizens Centre along the Uyo–Ikot Ekpene Road in Uyo.
The facility is designed to support senior citizens by providing services such as healthcare, recreation, and opportunities for social interaction.
Mrs Tinubu commended Umo Eno for constructing the centre and for his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of elderly residents in the state.
According to her, the initiative aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to ensure that no Nigerian, especially the elderly is left behind.
She noted that old age can often be a lonely stage of life, particularly for people who have lost their spouses and whose children have moved on to pursue their own lives.
“Old age can be a very lonely period. When a spouse is gone and children have grown and gone their separate ways, there can be a sense of emptiness,” she said, adding that centres like the one inaugurated would help keep older people active and engaged, ultimately improving their well-being and longevity.
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The First Lady also called on governors across the country to establish similar centres in their states to provide care and support for senior citizens.
She recalled proposing a bill while serving in the Senate that sought to provide special economic support for older Nigerians, but said the initiative did not succeed at the time.
She therefore urged the current Senate to revisit the proposal and consider providing stipends for elderly citizens in recognition of their contributions to society.
Mrs Tinubu further expressed concern over the growing cases of elderly people being neglected or abandoned.
“Ageing should not mean isolation or neglect but comfort, respect and continued engagement with society,” she said.
Earlier, Governor Umo Eno said the idea for the project was conceived by his late wife, Patience Eno, whose compassion for older adults inspired the initiative.
He also revealed that his administration currently pays a monthly stipend of ₦50,000 to 600 elderly residents across the state’s 369 wards.
The governor assured that his government would continue to prioritise the welfare and healthcare needs of senior citizens across Akwa Ibom State.
