Old age must not become a sentence of neglect, Abia Govt declares

Abia State government has declared that old age should not lead to neglect or abuse, reaffirming its dedication to the dignity and welfare of its senior citizens. The administration plans to bolster social protection programs and enforce the Abia State Senior Citizens Law, enacted in 2023, to guarantee comprehensive care, protection, and inclusion for older individuals. This commitment was highlighted during the commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Umuahia. Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the Governor's wife, emphasized that senior citizens, who have contributed immensely to society, deserve recognition and respect. She noted that many elderly individuals still face abandonment, abuse, isolation, and financial insecurity, issues that should concern everyone. The state government continues to prioritize prompt pension payments as a recognition of retirees' service and a means to ensure dignity in their later years. Beyond pensions, the administration has rolled out economic empowerment initiatives, cash support, medical outreaches, and distributed essential items to the elderly throughout the state's 17 local government areas. The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, stated the government's dedication to translating awareness into tangible actions that shield the elderly from abuse and neglect. She stressed that a society's measure is how it treats its most vulnerable, underscoring the need for practical measures to protect older persons' rights. The Governor’s Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation, Mazi Ugochukwu Okororafor, identified elder abuse as a growing global problem fueled by loneliness, neglect, illness, and financial exploitation. He praised the state for establishing the Abia Senior Citizens Centre to register and coordinate welfare services for the elderly.

“

Our elderly citizens built the families and communities we enjoy today, yet many still face abandonment, abuse, isolation, poor healthcare and financial insecurity. These realities should trouble every conscience.