Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday praised Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for what she described as a strong and compassionate commitment to the welfare of older persons, following the formal inauguration of a new Senior Citizens Centre in Uyo.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre, located within the Medical City on Uyo Ikot Ekpene Road, Mrs Tinubu said the project reflected a clear commitment to social protection and care for elderly citizens.
She said the centre, conceived by the late wife of the governor, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, stands as a thoughtful investment in the dignity, wellbeing and safety of senior citizens in the state.
Mrs Tinubu noted that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and described it as a model worth adopting in other parts of the country.
She also commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its social security programme that pays a monthly stipend of N50,000 to elderly residents, saying the policy shows practical and humane leadership.
She said Governor Eno deserved praise for introducing projects that recognise and support senior citizens. She added that during her time in the Senate, she sponsored a bill aimed at securing welfare support for older persons through stipends and similar programmes.
In his remarks, Governor Eno restated his administration’s commitment to policies that improve the welfare, health and dignity of the people, especially the elderly.
He said the Senior Citizens Centre was inspired by the vision and compassion of his late wife and described the project as the fulfilment of that vision. He added that the facility reflects his administration’s resolve to place people at the centre of governance.
The governor said his government would continue to pursue programmes that help citizens, particularly older persons, enjoy better health and live with dignity.
Governor Eno also commended the Chief Delivery Adviser on the project, Dr Ita Anwan James, and the contracting firm, U and K Construction Ltd, for delivering what he described as a quality facility. He said the centre complements the social protection goals of the federal government’s Renewed Hope Initiative.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, also praised the governor’s effort and said the 10th Senate would continue to support laws and policies aimed at strengthening welfare protection for senior citizens across the country.
Mrs Tinubu attended the event alongside the wife of the Senate President, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, more than 20 wives of governors, Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, and other senior government officials and dignitaries.
Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady in Akwa Ibom State, Helen Obareki, thanked the First Lady for identifying with the memory of the late Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
Earlier, Dr Ita Anwan James presented an overview of the centre and outlined its purpose as a support hub designed to improve the quality of life of elderly residents.
The facility includes reception and coordinated support services, a primary healthcare unit with a clinic, pharmacy, laboratory and observation rooms. It also houses an arts and crafts gallery, supermarket, kitchen, dining area, lounge, games room, chapel, counselling room, gymnasium, library, outdoor relaxation spaces and a therapeutic orchard aimed at encouraging healthy and active living among senior citizens.
