It was an atmosphere of joy and celebration as old men and women of Nimo community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State who have attained the age of 80 years and above gathered to receive stipends from the leadership of the community. EMMA ELEKWA reports that the initiative was aimed at enhancing the well-being of the senior citizens
If there is any segment of the society that have suffered neglect from individuals, organisations and government, it is the elderly.
A visit to most of the old people’s homes across the country attracts not only sympathy, but also empathy as the plight of the senior citizens dumped by their own children and other family members are too gory to behold.
These individuals were once referred to as “dead woods” by a certain governor of a state during a protest against delay in payment of their pensions and gratuities.
Unfortunately, these are groups of individuals, mostly senior citizens, who have contributed towards the growth and development of their communities, the state and the nation.
This sorry development informed the decision of the leadership of Nimo, a community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State to provide succour for the elderly in the area.
It was an atmosphere of joy and celebration as old men and women of the community, who have attained the age of 80 and above gathered to receive stipends from the leadership of the community.
The initiative, courtesy of the President-General of the community, Chief Frank-Anthony Igboka is in form of stipends for old men and women who have attained the age of 80 and above.
Speaking at the event held at the Egweegwe Square, Nimo which attracted hundreds of Nimo men and women within the age bracket, Chief Igboka said the stipend of N5,000 would be paid monthly to each of the octogenarians.
“The N5,000 stipends which all the men and women of the community that fall within the age bracket received, will henceforth be a monthly payment to enable most of them that have no help to alleviate their sufferings,” he said.
Igboka explained that the gesture was in line with the policy of Governor Willie Obiano and his wife which was aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the poorest of the poor, especially the elderly.
“We initiated the idea as a way of taking care of the elderly who have contributed their quota in the development of the community over the years in the form of social security, the same way it is being done in the developed nations of the world,” he said.
A retired Director of Education in the Ministry of Education, Chief Paulycap Ilokanuno, described the initiative as innovative and life-saving, urging him to sustain it.
“It is one thing to come up with an idea; it’s another thing to start it, but sustaining it is yet another. We pray it doesn’t stop with time,” he said.
On her part, the Woman Leader, Nimo Town Development Union, Lady Josephine Ilokanuno, said the gesture was first of its kind in the state. She commended the President-General for the noble idea.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Jeroe Isigwe, thanked Igboka for the gesture, praying God to bless him.
“We really lack words to appreciate our community leader for coming up with this laudable vision. We are very grateful and pray God to bless him in return,” he said.
Another octogenarian, Veronica Otie, described the initiative as worth replicating, urging other communities and the states in the federation to emulate the leadership of the community.