The wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has reaffirmed her commitment to the wellbeing, dignity and inclusion of senior citizens through free medical outreach and social support programmes for the elderly.
The outreach, held at the Lighthouse, Awka, on Friday, brought together senior citizens drawn from different communities across the 21 local government areas of the state for free health screenings and consultations aimed at the early detection and management of age-related conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Drugs were also provided to beneficiaries based on medical findings and prescriptions to ensure immediate treatment and continued care.
Dr. Soludo, who is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, said; “the initiative reflects her sustained drive to promote preventive healthcare, healthy lifestyles and improved quality of life for families across Anambra State. She stressed the need for accessible healthcare services, proper nutrition, emotional wellbeing and regular medical attention to support healthy ageing.”
She described older persons as vital members of society whose dignity, care and inclusion must remain a priority, noting that ageing should be associated with respect, companionship and active participation rather than neglect or isolation.
The programme, which formed part of activities marking this year’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day themed “Addressing Abuse of Older Persons: Strengthening Protection, Inclusion and Care,” also featured the distribution of food items, clothing materials and cash gifts to the beneficiaries.
In a goodwill message at the event, Dr. Soludo expressed appreciation to the elderly, describing the gathering as a moment of friendship, laughter, relaxation and gratitude.
She said the celebration underscored the importance of not only protecting older persons from abuse but also ensuring they experience joy, companionship and inclusion in society. The programme featured music, dancing, interactive games and indigenous meals in a warm and festive atmosphere.
Dr. Soludo described the elderly as “living treasures” and custodians of wisdom, culture and values, adding that spending time with them reinforces the need for a society where older persons feel respected, valued and cherished.
She commended their sacrifices to the development of Anambra State, and urged families, communities and stakeholders to strengthen care systems, promote regular health monitoring and expand social welfare programmes to protect older persons from neglect and abuse.
