The vision of the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Patience Umo Eno, to create a supportive and recreational environment for senior citizens is gaining fresh expression as Lady Helen Eno Obareki and other stakeholders hosted elderly residents to an evening of music, games and social interaction.
The event, held at the weekend at the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre on the outskirts of Uyo, brought together dozens of elderly residents for a karaoke hangout aimed at promoting social connection, recreation and emotional well-being among senior citizens.
Tagged “Karaoke Hangout: Golden Voices and Golden Memories,” the programme featured singing competitions, “complete the lyrics” and “name that artist” contests, alongside other games through which participants won prizes.
Obareki, who is the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and special guest at the event, said the gathering represented the fulfilment of a dream conceived by her late mother to ensure that elderly people in the state had a place where they could socialise, have fun and avoid the loneliness that can accompany old age.
She said the initiative was particularly significant because it demonstrated that her mother’s vision had continued to receive institutional support after her death.
“My heart is just so full with gratitude for a day like this that was a vision that my mother had and I’m just so happy that I get to witness her vision come to life,” Obareki said.
According to her, the objective was not merely to construct a facility for senior citizens but to create an environment where elderly people could remain socially connected and enjoy the later years of their lives.
“She saw a day when Akwa Ibom State would be celebrating all of our Senior Citizens, where they would come out to have fun and not stay at home to die of loneliness and depression. So this is the dream that has been made manifest,” she said.
Obareki commended Governor Umo Eno for sustaining the initiative, saying the administration had ensured that the vision of the late First Lady did not end with her demise.
She also expressed appreciation to the Delivery Advisor of the centre, Dr Itawan James, its staff and caregivers for maintaining the facility and expanding the support available to elderly residents through routine medical checks, dental and eye care services.
Obareki encouraged more senior citizens to visit the centre, describing it as a place where they could access recreation, social interaction and opportunities to build relationships with others in their age group.
Earlier, James said the weekend programme was organised to give senior citizens an opportunity to relax, interact and showcase talents in an atmosphere of warmth and celebration, particularly as the state marked 39 years of existence.
She said the centre remained committed to developing programmes that would improve the quality of life of elderly residents.
“Our elders have given so much to our society, and it is vital that we continue to create spaces where they can relax, showcase their hidden talents, and build lasting friendships in a joyful environment,” James said.
The event also provided an opportunity for the elderly participants to express appreciation to the organisers and stakeholders for dedicating an evening to their recreation and welfare.
The “Care for the Elderly” programme is one of the thematic areas of the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All, GIFA, while more than 12,000 senior citizens are said to be benefiting from the state government’s welfare package for the elderly through the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly.
The Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre provides recreational opportunities, care services and a community support network for elderly residents.
Among dignitaries at the weekend gathering were the member representing Ikono State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Asuquo Udo; wife of the Deputy Speaker, Enobong Edidem; wife of the member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency, Nsikak Eric Akpan; and Chairman of Nsit Ibom Local Government Council, Otobong Aaron.
Others included President of WALGON, Akaninyene Udo; wives of the chairmen of Nsit Ubium, Mkpat Enin and Itu local government areas; wife of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Idara Ekong; Honorary Special Advisers to the Governor and other stakeholders.
