Abia Govt. assures protection of elderly persons, makes clarifications on senior citizens law
Abia Govt. assures protection of elderly persons, makes clarifications on senior citizens law
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has assured of its commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of the elderly in the state.
This the government is doing as part of activities marking the commemoration of the 2026 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu disclosed the stand of the State government on this on Tuesday June 16, 2026 at Government House Umuahia while briefing journalist on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu disclosed that the state government’s participation in the annual observance reiterates the administration’s dedication to social protection and inclusive development.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, clarified that the Senior Citizens’ Law of 2025 does not provide for free salaries for the elderly in the state, but for their healthcare and other welfare supports.
“When you are 60 years and above in Abia State Senior Citizens’ Law No. 4 of 2025, you are regarded as a senior citizen.
“Please, let us not misconstrue what the law seeks to support. It does not guarantee free salaries for anybody who is 60 years.
“That does not mean that you would now fold your arms, sit down at home and every month the state government would give you money. That is not what that law says.
“What that law guarantees is healthcare. It also guarantees that elderly persons are able to participate in interventions that support their welfare.
“Her Excellency the wife of the Governor has championed several of these interventions reaching out to elderly persons who are indigent in the state,” Mrs. Felix stated.
She stated that the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Governor, joined the international community to mark the occasion, which is observed annually to raise awareness about the abuse, neglect, exploitation, and social exclusion faced by older persons.
According to her, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly to draw global attention to the challenges confronting senior citizens and to promote actions that ensure their protection and wellbeing.
She noted that the theme for this year’s commemoration, “Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work,” calls on governments, institutions, communities, and families to move beyond mere recognition of elder abuse and take practical steps to protect older persons while upholding their rights, safety, dignity, and overall wellbeing.
The Commissioner highlighted significant measures already taken by the Abia State Government to guarantee the protection of senior citizens, including the enactment of the Abia State Senior Citizens Law No. 4 of 2025, which was assented to by Governor Alex Otti in 2025.
She also announced the establishment of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at General Hospitals in Abia through the initiative of the Wife of the Governor, stating that the aim is to addressed sexual and gender-based violence, including cases involving elderly persons.
According to her, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection would embark on the some activities; including public sensitization and awareness campaigns on the rights of older persons, engage senior citizens, community stakeholders, and development partners on the implementation and strengthening of the senior citizens policy framework; and
collaboration with healthcare facilities, community leaders, and social protection stakeholders to improve prevention, reporting, response, and referral systems for older persons across the state.
She used the opportunity to call on all Abians to stand firmly against elder abuse, support elderly persons within their communities, and promote an inclusive society where every senior citizen can live with dignity, security, and hope.