Oyo State Government Supports Over 1000 Senior Citizens
Written by News Desk on November 4, 2024
Oyo State Government has provided material and financial support to over 1,000 senior citizens through the distribution of foodstuffs and cash assistance.
The gesture came at an event to commemorate 2024 International Day of the Elderly, held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building,Secretariat, Ibadan.
Speaking with newsmen,the convener of the programme and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun,emphasized the importance of honoring the elderly in the society stressing that they have served the state with their youthful energies in either public service or private ventures, describing them as deserving of respect, honor, and support.
While noting that the initiative was a step forward towards ensuring the senior citizens live with dignity and comfort, the commissioner said that subsequent editions would be reviewed to accommodate more vulnerable elderly for the support program especially at the grassroots level.
She hinted that plans are already being put in place in terms of strategic collaboration to ensure that at least one primary healthcare centre would be designated at each local government area specifically for the elderly.
Mrs Balogun said the distribution of items further indicated the commitment of governor Seyi Makinde to supporting senior citizens in the state.
The beneficiaries, largely of elderly women from 60 years old and above,drawn from across the 33 Local Government Areas were presented with foodstuffs and cash gifts.
The cash donations range between the sum of ₦200,000, to ₦1,000 000 presented to different categories of elders based associations as well as local fabrics.
Food packs were also presented to each of the over 1,000 beneficiaries which include rice, beans, garri, yam flour as well as 1.5litre of vegetable oil and seasoning.
Some of the beneficiaries in an interview, expressed their gratitude to governor Seyi Makinde and the Commissioner for Women Affairs for the gesture.
Earlier,a Nutritionist, Dr. Tunde Ajobo, explained the importance of maintaining good health especially, the elderly, urging them to endeavour to keep themselves hydrated and physically fit at all times.
