Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has been hailed for demonstrating visionary and compassionate leadership by prioritising the needs of over 6,000 elderly persons under the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly.
The State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Emem Ibanga, lauded the governor during the monthly disbursement of the ₦50,000 stipends to 600 beneficiaries, drawn from 31 Local Government Areas of the State.
Ibanga stated that the ₦50,000 monthly stipend for the elderly citizens, was to provide consistent support and better their quality of life, in recognition, appreciation, and respect for their all-important contributions to the growth and development of the state.
“The Governor has continued to set a new standard in governance that is rooted in compassion and inclusivity.This initiative is a token of our gratitude and a promise that their golden years will be dignified and secured,” Ibanga stated.
The Commissioner additionally spotlighted some key interventions of the ARISE Agenda Humanitarian sector to include, the ARISE Senior Citizens Centre; a groundbreaking ongoing facility exclusively for recreation, healthcare, and social support for the elderly when completed, the Health Insurance Scheme for the elderly, food palliative distribution, and strategic community engagements collaboration with Local Government Councils to guarantee inclusive, efficient and effective delivery of services to the Senior Citizens.
She implored families and communities to emulate governor Eno’s compassionate disposition as “Small acts of kindness multiply into lasting impact.”
Deep commitment
The Commissioner reassured the beneficiaries of the deep commitment of the Akwa Ibom State Government to their well-being.
“You are not forgotten. This government sees you, hears you, and will continue to stand by you,” she reassured.
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, speaking, commended the governor, describing the initiative as a compassionate and inspiring intervention that has restored hope to the elderly and continues to shift the narrative by creating a more inclusive, dignified environment for the elderly, citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom State.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Inibehe Etukudo, Obareki, emphasised that old age is a divine gift that should be treasured.
The Coordinator, Arise Initiative for the Elderly, Mrs. Mercy Eka, in her remarks disclosed that an additional 1,200 beneficiaries are being added to the over 6,000 elderly persons that have so far benefited, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 7,200 across the state.
She noted, that the hope rekindling initiative for the elderly validates the governor’s unparalleled compassion and fidelity to inclusive welfare.
Free enrolment
Eka, also conveyed the Governor’s approval for the free enrollment of senior citizens under the AriseCare Health Insurance Scheme, to grant them access to quality healthcare at zero cost.
In a presentation, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Edikan Ekwere, described ARISE Care as a legacy project, urging the beneficiaries to serve as ARISECare ambassadors within their communities.
While highlighting the life-changing benefits of ARISECare, Ekwere commended Governor Umo Eno for initiating it, noting that since its launch, access to quality healthcare for youths, the elderly, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups has significantly increased.
The Agency Chairman added that it was at no cost to those enrolled, while a token payment was required for the non-vulnerable group.
Launched in January 2024, the the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly is a testament to Governor Umo Eno’s people-centric policies targeting the health and wellbeing of Akwa Ibom Citizens.
The ARISE Initiative for the Elderly aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritisation of the welfare and well-being of senior citizens through healthcare, social support, and economic empowerment to the vulnerable population.
The initiative supported by the Renewed Hope Initiative of First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu provides additional resources and support for senior citizens in financial aid, healthcare access, and other social services in Akwa Ibom State.
While the Renewed Hope Initiative offers broader national-level support and resources, the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly domesticates the state-level implementation for the elderly, working together for a more comprehensive and effective support system for senior citizens in Akwa Ibom.
The event held under the joint sponsorship of the office of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and the office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, had critical stakeholders including the Wives of Local Government Chairmen and Traditional Rulers in attendance.
Lateefah Ibrahim