Aniefiok Christopher
Oluremi Tinubu, wife of Nigeria’s President, described the state-of-the-art Senior Citizens Centre in Uyo, in Akwa Ibom State as ‘a bold and compassionate commitment to the welfare of the elderly.’
Speaking during the commissioning of the ultra-modern facility, named Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre, located within the Medical City along the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road, Mrs. Tinubu praised the governor for prioritising social protection for senior citizens and translating vision into impactful programmes.
Mrs Tinubu noted that the project, conceived by the governor’s late wife, Patience Umo Eno, represents a compassionate and forward-looking investment in the dignity, wellbeing and security of elderly citizens.
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She said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a commendable model that other states should emulate.
The First Lady decried the fact that some senior citizens have become beggars due to ill health and inability to cater to their needs, and recalled that throughout her 12 years as a Senator, she was always having programmes for senior citizens.
While acknowledging that the initiative was a vision of the State’s departed First Lady, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno, she appreciated the Governor for advancing the vision and also for inviting her to commission the project.
She said the senior citizens’ centre is a lofty initiative which will not only provide a place for relaxation and recreation for the senior citizens but will also enable them to live younger in spirit and longer.
Mrs. Tinubu also applauded the Akwa Ibom State Government for implementing a social security programme that provides a monthly stipend of ₦50,000 to elderly residents, describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of compassionate governance.
“I commend Governor Umo Eno for these thoughtful projects and for honouring the elderly in the state. While serving in the Senate, I sponsored a bill aimed at ensuring that senior citizens receive government support through stipends and other welfare programmes,” she said.
Speaking, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, also lauded the governor’s initiative, assuring that the 10th Senate would continue to support legislative efforts aimed at strengthening social protection frameworks for senior citizens nationwide.
In his remarks, Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to policies and programmes that promote the welfare, health and dignity of citizens, particularly the elderly.
The governor explained that the Senior Citizens Centre was inspired by the vision and compassion of his late wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, noting that the facility stands as a fulfilment of that vision and a testament to the administration’s people-focused governance philosophy.
“This project aligns with your Renewed Hope Initiative, especially as it relates to elders’ care. This is our own little way of saying to our elders, thank you for your service, your mentorship and your love.
“In old age, you should not walk alone; we should show our gratitude for all you have toiled and sacrificed for our State. That is what my wife used to constantly remind me that we should and must do. And I am glad today that we have gotten this Centre up and running.
“My government is deeply connected to ensuring the welfare of our people, especially our elders. We will not spare any effort in ensuring that our citizens enjoy good health and a dignified life.
“Today, we can proudly tell you that every month across the 369 wards in our State, 600 elders are given fifty thousand naira (N50,000) each to care for their immediate needs. Quite a number of these elders have been enrolled in our State Medical Insurance Scheme free of charge,” the Governor said.
Governor Eno commended the Chief Delivery Advisor on the project, Dr. Ita Anwan James, as well as the contracting firm, U&K Construction Ltd, for delivering a quality project, adding that the initiative complements the social protection ideals embedded in the federal government’s Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Nigerian First Lady was accompanied to the event by the Wife of the Senate President, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio; Minister of State Petroleum Resources (gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo; more than 20 wives of governors from the country, Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, and other senior government officials and dignitaries.
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Helen Eno-Obareki, thanked Mrs. Tinubu for honouring the memory of the late Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
Earlier, the Delivery Advisor on the Senior Citizens Centre Project, Dr. Ita Anwan James, had presented an overview of the facility.
The centre provides a comprehensive support hub designed to enhance the wellbeing of senior citizens. Facilities include reception and coordinated support services, a primary healthcare unit comprising a clinic, pharmacy, laboratory and observation rooms.
Other amenities are an arts and crafts gallery, supermarket, kitchen and dining restaurant, lounge and recreational games room, chapel and counselling room, gymnasium and library, as well as outdoor relaxation areas and a therapeutic orchard designed to promote healthy and active living for elderly residents.
