Govt tasked on improved welfare for elderlies, orphans

•As NMS ex-boys visit elderly home in Rivers, donate cash, gift items

EMMANUEL  NLEWEDUM, Port Harcourt

Governments at all levels have been urged to show more commitment in enhancing the welfare of the elderly and orphans in the country.

The Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria Ex-boys Association set of 74 to 79, made the call during their visit to Home for the Elderly in Port Harcourt, where they donated various gift items and cash to them.

Chairman of the association, Air Commodore Isaac Ayodeji Odun-Ayo (Rtd.), said improved support from the government and well-meaning Nigerians to the elderly and orphans will help in addressing their needs and taking care of their challenges.

He said the visit was part of activities to kickstart their 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) holding in Rivers State.

“The lady in charge of this elderly people’s home has said that they have enough materials, but they do not have sufficient money, so of course I would be calling on other well-meaning Nigerians to be a part of supporting this elderly people’s home, especially financially in funds.

“I am calling on the government to be involved in directly taking care of the elderly, even the motherless children’s home; the government’s involvement would tackle the paucity of funds currently facing them.”

Air Commodore Odun-Ayo Rtd, said the aim of the visit was to support the needs of the senior citizens of the country.

“We are holding our Annual General Meeting and reunion for the year 2025 in Port Harcourt from August 22 – 24, 2025.

The essence of the reunion is to appreciate God who has kept us for these years and we feel as part of that reunion we should do service to humanity and that is why we have come to the old people’s home today to give them some material items and also to bless them financially.

“We identified with them because we know we are getting older by the day too and we want to reassure them that they are not alone, we share in their pain, we share in their challenges and we want to continue to be a blessing to them.”
Receiving the cash and items, Matron of the Home, Reverend Sister Mary Jane Raphael Agubosi, thanked the retired military officers for their kindness, assuring that the gifts would be judiciously utilized.

“On behalf of the members of home for the elderly and members and board of trustees, we appreciate and treasure each and every one of you.

“We thank the Chairman and his team for remembering us today and we ask the good Lord to continue to strengthen each and every one of you as you thought it wise to visit the elderly ones, may God continue to protect and strengthen you and your family.

“My prayer since the 15 years I have been here is to let our children’s children take care of us because I know keeping the elderly ones together is not our custom but instead of locking them up, is better they bring them here, with the help of God, individuals, families and churches, because we depend solely on charity, we are surviving.”

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, had received the Nigerian Military School (NMS) Zaria, class of 1974-1979, in his office.

Major General Emekah commended the NMS Zaria Ex-boys for their choice of Port Harcourt as the venue for it’s 2025 AGM, describing it as a testament of improved security in the South South region.

The GOC during the visit also lauded the association for its cooperation and unity, appreciating its effort to excel in its various fields of endeavour.

He encouraged them to continue to reach out to some of their members who may not be doing well in their careers and health.