INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE ELDERLY; IKPEAZU HOSTS ABIA SENIOR CITE ZENS
Abia State government, Wife of Abia Governor, Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu through her pet project, Vicar Hope Foundation in conjunction with Tender Loving Care, has organised a Special Party to celebrate the 2019 United Nations International Day of the Elderly in Abia State.
Speaking at the event, held at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu advocated the enactment of a law that would protect the elderly against abuse and neglect as well as a government policy that would protect their rights and cater for their well-being.
Mrs. Ikpeazu, who noted that the elderly suffer different forms of abuses and neglect in various homes, expressed optimism that government would seriously work to put a stop to such issues in the State. She challenged Abians to stand up in defense of the rights of these elderly people who are vulnerable in the society.
The wife of the Governor, who is also the President of Vicar Hope Foundation, said her Foundation in collaboration with the State Government and Tender Loving Care is using the day to appreciate the elderly and thank God for keeping them healthy and strong.
In his address of welcome, the Chairman of the occasion and former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Elder Eric Acho Nwakanma, while commending Governor Ikpeazu and his Wife for his plans to open a special home for the elderly in the State, called for a gradual increase in the official retirement age.
Elder Nwakanma noted that the older people should be celebrated to make them self-reliance and continue to contribute to the society.
Also speaking, the Programme Administrator, Tender Loving Care, Chief Emenike Chuck Osondu, disclosed that the United Nations International Day of the Elderly is celebrated every year to raise awareness about issues affecting the elderly such as abuse and neglect.
Chief Osondu who described Old Age as a sensitive phase of life, advocated the need for proper care and comfort for them to enable them live a healthy life without worries and anxiety.
He thanked the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and his Wife, for hosting the elderly and called for continued support for his administration.
The event which had in attendance, wife of the Deputy Governor, Lady Vivian Ude Oko Chukwu and other dignitaries in the State, witnessed the distribution of gift items/livelihood support, other things as well as dance with the elderly all by the wife of the State Governor, Mrs. Ikpeazu.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1259743124195794&id=454791201357661
Comments are closed.