The Wife of the Ekiti Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, has provided food items and cash support to 500 elderly citizens across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state as part of activities marking the second-term inauguration of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji.
Dr Oyebanji, who spoke during the distribution of the cash and items in her office in Ado-Ekiti, said the gesture was aimed at appreciating the contributions of senior citizens to the development of the state and supporting their welfare.
She said the beneficiaries were selected from communities across the state in recognition of their years of service, sacrifices and contributions to their families and communities.
The First Lady described the intervention as a gesture of love, appreciation and solidarity with the elderly, stressing that their contributions to society deserved recognition and continued support.
She acknowledged that the assistance might not meet all the needs of the beneficiaries, but expressed hope that it would provide some relief and reassure them of the government’s commitment to their welfare.
“We understand that this provision may not meet every need, but we hope it brings some comfort to your homes and serves as a reminder that you are valued, remembered and deeply cherished by this government,” she said
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Dr Oyebanji said the welfare of senior citizens should remain a priority for any responsible government, noting that older people deserved to live in dignity and enjoy the benefits of the society they had helped to build.
She said the administration would continue to pursue people-centred policies and interventions aimed at improving the living conditions of vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly, women, children and other disadvantaged members of society.
According to her, the second term of the Oyebanji administration would provide opportunities to deepen the delivery of democratic dividends and extend its impact to more segments of the population.
The First Lady assured the beneficiaries that the government remained committed to inclusive governance, irrespective of age, social status or political affiliation
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She also urged the elderly to sustain the bonds of love, unity and fellowship within their families and communities, describing the values as essential to building a peaceful and cohesive society.
In separate goodwill messages, the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Peju Babafemi, commended senior citizens for their contributions to the growth and development of Ekiti.
They also acknowledged their support for the Oyebanji administration and expressed appreciation for their continued interest in the peace, stability and progress of the state.
The Chairman of the Ekiti State Elders’ Council, Pa Gabriel Oni, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr Joel Akinola, expressed gratitude to the state government for recognising the importance of senior citizens through the initiative.
The elders described the gesture as an expression of appreciation for their contributions to the state and their support for the administration.
They commended the government for recognising the role of senior citizens in the renewal of the governor’s mandate and pledged their continued support for policies and programmes aimed at advancing the development of Ekiti.
The distribution was part of activities marking the commencement of Gov. Oyebanji’s second term in office.