Bunady
The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced plans to establish an Elderly Care Centre within the State Medical Corridor to cater for the health needs of senior citizens in the State....TAP TO READ THE FULL CONTENT | TAP TO READ THE FULL CONTENT
Governor Umo Eno announced this during an end of year get-together for the elderly tagged ‘Old Skool Night’ held as part of Christmas Unplugged 2.0 at the on going Christmas Village, Amphitheater, Unity Park, Uyo.
He said that the Elderly Care center which is the vision of his late wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, will offer world class medical services to people not below 65 years, noting that the elderly deserves special attention having put in their best to preserve the legacies being enjoyed in the State, and as such, should not be left to que for medical checks at public health care centres.
“As a matter of fact, the idea of building a care centre for the elderly was my wife’s idea and in the next first two months of the next year, I will be laying the foundation of the Elderly Care Centre along the Medical corridor. She had passion for the elderly because she felt they are always forgotten just because they are old.
“If we recognize them and bring them out once in a while, it will strengthen their lives. They may not have the energy again but they have the wisdom. Bongos Ikwue sat here and he sang with a voice still as distinct and sonorous as ever even at 83.”
Governor Eno pointed out that his government is intentional on the inclusivity drive which opens vistas for the youths, men, women, and the elderly to realize their dreams and assured of his administration’s determination to sustain the vision of his late wife which was to give a life worth the toil and sweat of the senior citizens.
“What this Government has done is to be intentional about inclusivity, be it party lines or across age line, be it children, youths, men, women or the elders, we will bring everyone together and give them their space. That’s what I believe we are doing and we will continue to do that.”
He told guests to the party that the idea of inviting the star performer, Bongos Ikwue, for the night was his late wife’s idea who, on her return from last year’s Old Skool party suggested that the music legend be given a chance to perform, a request which, he said he gladly obliged and regretted her absence at the event.
The Governor therefore pledged to be personally involved in the organization of the next party for the elderly by bringing in special bands to dish out old tunes by way of immortalizing the vision of his late wife.
“We can remember that my wife was here last year. She had a good time with our elders and the idea of introducing Old School Night into our Christmas Unplugged was hers. She told me some of the things she wanted to do for the elderly and the children and everything lined up.
“We will always have old school night to bring our senior citizens together in fulfillment of the dreams she had. Next year, I will be personally involved in the organization so that we can get a proper old school band that will dish for us those old school tunes, and I mean our very own local tunes. It is a privilege that we can gather here tonight to celebrate our elders.”
He acknowledged “Project Akwa Ibom” as the legacy project of his administration where inclusivity is the hallmark and governance demystified to accommodate every interest.
Governor Eno therefore appreciated the Senate President Chief Godswill Akpabio and the Minister of State (Gas) Petroleum Resources, Rt. Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, describing them as bridge builders and thanked them for always being part of the State events.
He pointed out that their consistency in State events has jettisoned the jinx of party politics and consolidated on the collective interest of the State. He, therefore, extended a hand of fellowship to all Akwa Ibom people across party lines to join him move the state forward.
Eno commended the Commissioner for Culture And Tourism, Sir Charles Udo, for bringing his dexterity to bear in handling the Christmas Unplugged 2.0 with rich packages of shows, entertainment and displays for 28 days running.
Setting the tone for the night, Sir Udoh said it was the second edition of the party for the elderly which started last year with spell bound performances, adding that it will always be a night to remember .
He noted that the Old school night will bring back the memories of yester years in music, dance, tales, dressing and performances, adding that an Old School legend Bongos Ikwue has, on the Governor’s special request, been brought out of his retirement to thrill the audience with his inspiring tunes spiced with performances from home based artistes like Aniekan Seaforo, Lady Willa, Jiynenech Dance Group, Elite Kings Dance Group and Effiom Trombone from our sister Cross River.
The night featured unveiling of the latest brand of the State owned Champion lager beer and malt packaged in cans anchored by the Chairman of the brewery’s Board of Directors, Pastor Imohabasi Jacob, who intimated the guest that the brand has made tremendous impact in the market, even as the company has paid dividend to it shareholders after a long while.
Jacob attributed the feat to the support of the State administration, describing it as a milestone attained in the golden era of Governor Umo Eno.
The event which coincided with the birthday celebration of Sir T.O. Akpan, a former member of the old Cross River State House of Assembly, climaxed with a dance session by the elderly to the admiration of the Governor who rewarded them with cash gifts and other packages…Tap To Read The Full Story Here.
