Bayelsa Firstlady Presents Cash And Foodstuffs To The Elderly
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Chris Mark, Yenagoa.
It was a day of joy for the elderly in Bayelsa State as wife of the State governor, Dr (Mrs) Gloria Diri presents cash gifts and foodstuffs to mark the International Day for the Elderly.
The event which took place at the DSP Alamieseigha Banquet Hall, was organised by the Ministry of Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development in collaboration with the office of Her Excellency.
The Firstlady, while speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration; ‘Digital Equity for Ages,’ affirmed the need for access and meaningful participation in the digital world by the older persons.
Dr Diri, who noted the enormous contributions older people make in society, assured that the prosperity government will continue to take the needs of senior citizens seriously.
She further encouraged them to always be happy, maintain good relationships, good health and avoid loneliness.
Herwords; “We have found it necessary to celebrate the elderly in the state, they have put so much, now they are weak we have to celebrate them, we have to ensure they are happy, pray for their children because for them to live longer, their children have to be by their side.”
Also speaking, Mrs. Faith Opuene, the Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, while appreciating the elderly, commended governor Douye Diri for giving the aged a sense of belonging and urged them to also pray for Bayelsa State government.
The commissionersaid; “Is to celebrate them, to tell them that people still love them, we appreciate all that they have put in the state and nation at large to keep them company, that’s the happiness we are giving to them and we are praying that God will continue to keep them. We will see next year again. The elderly is on our calendar, our scheme of work they are part of it.”
Willy Ferdinad who spoke on behalf of the elderly, appreciated God for life and the state government for identifying with the senior citizens on the occasion of the International Day of the Elderly.
“Am particularly Happy with the numbers am seeing. Am so impressed, we just came out from pandemic which took the life of most elders.”
