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Gov Eno applauded for pioneering elderly care with ARISE Senior Citizens Centre

…As Stakeholders Call for Legal Protection of Older Persons

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has received widespread commendation for his bold intervention in elderly care, following the ongoing construction of a befitting facility for the aged—the ARISE Senior Citizens Centre.

Located within the State Medical Corridor, the Centre is designed to cater to the health and overall well-being of senior citizens across the State. When completed, it will serve as a model facility offering personalized care and support services for older persons.

To complement this initiative, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has developed a State Policy on Ageing, aimed at addressing the unique needs of the elderly and harnessing opportunities arising from their growing population.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the Women Development Centre, Uyo, to review, update, and seek legislative backing for the policy, the Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, said the vision of the policy is to build a society where older persons enjoy security, independence, participation, comprehensive care, self-fulfilment, and dignity.

According to the Commissioner, the goal is to safeguard the rights and well-being of the elderly by promoting healthy ageing, enhancing their quality of life, and ensuring that their fundamental human rights are upheld and protected.

Delivering an update on the ARISE Senior Citizens Centre, Dr. Itanwan James, Delivery Advisor, stated that Governor Eno is deeply concerned about the elderly and envisions a safe space where they can access essential services while maintaining their dignity. He emphasized the importance of protecting older citizens as a measure of a compassionate society.

In their separate remarks, elder statesmen, Senator Effiong Bob and Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, lauded the Governor for establishing a solid framework to support the aged. They both called for the enactment of legislation by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to guarantee the protection and welfare of senior citizens.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Comrade Sunny James, applauded Governor Eno’s people-oriented leadership and described the project as a timely and compassionate intervention. He affirmed that the Labour community stands in full support of the initiative.

Commissioners who also lent their voices in support of the initiative included the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Inibehe Etukudo; and Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Henry Archibong. They commended the Governor’s proactive approach and encouraged stakeholders to rally support for the full realization of the ARISE Agenda.

The event was attended by a broad spectrum of stakeholders including representatives of the Akwa Ibom Elderly Citizens Assembly, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and other key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), all of whom endorsed the initiative as visionary, timely, andc ommendable.