Anambra introduces monthly welfare package for elderly

By VINCENT UJUMADU

AWKA—NON pensionable people in Anambra State will soon be receiving monthly financial welfare package from the state government as a way of giving them a sense of belonging.

Wife of the state governor, Mrs. Margaret Peter-Obi, who announced the package weekend in Awka, explained that the package would be for those aged 75 years and above.

Mrs. Obi has already started what could pass as a pilot project of the programme as she gave grants of N10, 000 each to two elderly persons from each of the 21 local government areas of the state.

Among those who received the money were 102-year-old Mrs. Theresa Osita Debo from Umukwa village, Awka in Awka South local government area and 99-year -old Chief Simon Okedo from Abubuno Nnewichi village in Nnewi North local government area.

Chief of Staff to the governor and Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Professor Chinyere Okunna, said the issue of the monthly grant to aged people from 75 years and above was discussed at last week’s state executive council meeting.

She explained that it was also agreed that measures would be put in place to care and manage the old people of the state as part of the state government’s human development programme.

According to her, a day would be set aside to celebrate the old people in the state, adding that it is in line with efforts of Governor Peter Obi’s administration towards improving the life of the aged.

Commissioner for Women affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Henrietta Agbata said although the care of old persons in African society rested squarely on their extended families, the state government decided to introduce the programme in appreciation of their contributions towards the development of the state.

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