At a time when there is hardly any credible programme for the care of the aged in the country, Anambra State recently instituted a social security scheme for its indigent elderly citizens. The recent launch of this scheme in Awka, the state capital, adds Anambra to the list of few states that have taken up the challenge of doing the little they can to ameliorate the plight of their aged poor.
This exemplary concept, which is already in place in about two states, will see indigent Anambra oldies receiving a stipend of N5000 from the state coffers monthly.
The allowance is expected to be used to provide the most basic necessities of life for the aged. It rightly recognises the responsibility of states to provide succour for elderly persons who lack the wherewithal to care for themselves.
At the unveiling of the programme, Governor Peter Obi said it is targetted at indigent citizens of the state aged 75 years and above. In addition, prospective recipients must be without any form of support and they must not be pensioners. About 30,000 indigent elders reportedly benefited from over N1 billion cheques that were distributed at the launch.
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