Abuja: The Contributory Pension and Happy Retirement Advocacy (COPEHRA), has commended the Abia State Government for instituting a monthly stipend and other welfare services for elderly citizens in the state. The chairman of COPEHRA, Mr. Sani Mustapha, who made this known in a statement in Abuja, lauded Gov. Alex Otti, the state house of assembly, and other stakeholders for making the initiative a reality.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mustapha described the move as another model of comprehensive social protection programmes by the state government to cater to all segments of society, particularly the vulnerable. The chairman stated that while the provision of social amenities remained commendable, sustainable social safety net programmes were critical to addressing the needs of underage children and the elderly population. COPEHRA has consistently advocated for viable and sustainable pension schemes and the enrolment of eligible citizens as part of efforts to ensure dignity in retirement.
Mustapha highlighted that Abia had joined the league of states implementing structured elderly support schemes. He added that Ekiti State pioneered a similar initiative during the tenure of former governor Kayode Fayemi. Through the endorsement of the Senior Citizens Bill in Abia, indigenes aged 60 years and above are entitled to monthly stipends, free medical care, and priority access to government services. Mustapha emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating that for too long, the elderly have been a forgotten demographic, invisible in policy and overlooked in budgets.
He further remarked that the monthly stipend, though modest, serves as a lifeline for thousands of elderly persons who have exited the workforce but remain relevant to society. For many, it ensures access to basic necessities such as meals and medication, highlighting the significance of visibility for this demographic. Mustapha urged all governors to initiate similar elderly support schemes in their states and encouraged State Houses of Assembly to fast-track the passage of Senior Citizens Bills. Additionally, he appealed to local government chairmen to complement their state government’s efforts through community-level interventions targeted at senior citizens.