World Elder Abuse Day: We have implemented initiatives to support Abia elders – Mrs Otti | Read Details
World Elder Abuse Day: We have implemented initiatives to support Abia elders – Mrs Otti | Read Details
As the world marks Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the First Lady of Abia state has restated the commitment of the present Abia state government to address the needs of the elderly population.
While presenting a speech on Tuesday, at an event marking the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Mrs Otti highlighted some of the support strategies the government has earmarked and implemented for the elders to include; payment of pensions, access to quality healthcare, signing into law, the Abia State Senior Citizens bill, which provide care and support, for elderly citizens to live with dignity.
Mrs Otti noted that “Elder abuse is a pervasive issue that affects not only the individual but also their families and communities.”
” It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and neglect. The consequences are far-reaching, leading to loss of dignity, health complications, and even premature mortality” she noted.
The first lady called on all to join hands to ensure that the elders are respected and given their due rights and not being abused
Read the full speech
A SPEECH PRESENTED BY HER EXCELLENCY, THE WIFE OF ABIA STATE GOVERNOR, MRS PRISCILLA CHIDINMA OTTI DURING AN EVENT TO MARK 2025 WORLD ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY ON TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025.
Protocols
As we stand together, united in our quest for a society that values and respects its elderly members, I am honored to address this gathering where we commemorate 2025 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The advocacy walk we participated in this morning, serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and care for our elderly population.
I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, led by the esteemed Commissioner, Mrs. Blessing Ngozi Felix, for their visionary initiative in organizing this impactful event.
The theme “Addressing Abuse of Older Adults in Abia State: Through Data and Action” is indeed very timely. Our elders have built our communities, shared their wisdom, and loved us unconditionally. It’s our turn to give back, listen, and support them.
Elder abuse is a pervasive issue that affects not only the individual but also their families and communities. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and neglect. The consequences are far-reaching, leading to loss of dignity, health complications, and even premature mortality.
In Abia State, we recognize the importance of leveraging data to inform our strategies. By understanding the scope and nature of elder abuse, we can develop targeted interventions to prevent and respond to abuse effectively.
Since inception, the state government have implemented various initiatives to support our elderly population which include, but not limited to:
1. Commitment to Pensioners’ Welfare: The Abia State Government has remained committed to prioritizing pensioners’ welfare, ensuring they receive the respect and care they deserve through the disbursement of their monthly pensions without delay.
2. Access to Quality Healthcare: By transforming our healthcare landscape through the upgrade of medical facilities statewide, we’ve brought exceptional care closer to our elderly citizens, affirming their right to dignity and well-being through access to world-class healthcare services.
3. Notably, the Governor recently signed 18 new executive bills into law, including the Abia State Senior Citizens Law 2025, which provide care and support, for elderly citizens to live with dignity.
These initiatives and policies demonstrate the Abia State Government’s efforts to support its citizens, including the elderly, and promote overall well-being. However, we acknowledge that more needs to be done.
I urge all stakeholders – government agencies, community leaders, families, and individuals – to join hands in addressing elder abuse.
To our elderly citizens, I want to assure you that we hear you, we see you, and we are committed to protecting your rights. Your wisdom, experience, and contributions are invaluable to our society.
As we commemorate this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a society that cares for its most vulnerable members. Let us work together to ensure that our elderly population lives with dignity, respect, and the support they deserve.
Thank you.
