GOV OTTI WILL CLEAR ARREARS OF SALARY/GRATUITY OWNED BY PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION—WIFE

REPORTER: LAWRENCE NWOKEDI

The Wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscillia Otti, says government has prioritized the welfare of the older persons in the state

Mrs. Otti stated this during thte 2023 National Day of Older Persons in Umuahia.

The wife of the Governor noted that the state government was committed to clearing the arrears of pension and gratuities owed pensioners by the previous administrations.

She advised the younger generation to take very good care of their parents, especially the elderly in the society.

Abia State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Allivation, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, stated that government was a committed to ensure that older persons enjoyed a safe environment and opportunities to contribute their knowledge and expertise towards peace and sustainable development in the state.

In a keynote address, the President Human Rights Commission, Abia State, Mrs. Uche Nwokocha, explained that aim of establishing the National Policy on the elderly in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari was to have a society where senior citizens are guaranteed adequate security, independence, participation in comprehensive care, self fulfillment and dignity.

Some of the elderly persons in an interview expressed joy for being part of the celebration.

Highlight was the presentation of wheelchairs and wrappers to the older persons by the wife of the Governor.

The theme of the Day is “Fulfilling the Promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons across Generations.”

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU