August 6, 2025 – The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its dedication to the welfare of senior citizens through the continued disbursement of monthly stipends to beneficiaries across the state.
During the official ceremony held at the Government House Banquet Hall, Uyo, on Wednesday, August 6, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Emem Ibanga, praised Governor Umo Eno for his compassionate and visionary leadership, particularly in prioritizing the needs of the elderly under the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly.
She stated that 50,000 naira monthly stipends are being paid to 600 elderly citizens drawn from all 31 local government areas of the state. This, she explained, is part of ongoing efforts to provide consistent financial support and improve the quality of life for older residents.
“This initiative is a token of our gratitude and a promise that their golden years will be dignified and secured. The Governor has continued to set a new standard in governance that is rooted in compassion and inclusivity,” Hon. Ibanga said.
The Commissioner stressed that the programme is more than just a welfare scheme, describing it as a tangible expression of the government’s respect for the contributions of the elderly to the growth and development of Akwa Ibom State.
She also highlighted other key interventions in the Humanitarian sector of the ARISE Agenda, including the upcoming ARISE Senior Citizens Centre, which will provide recreation, healthcare, and social support for elderly citizens.
She listed additional initiatives such as regular welfare programmes, the Health Insurance Scheme for the elderly, food distribution, community engagement projects, and strategic collaboration with local government councils to ensure services reach beneficiaries in all locations.
While addressing the senior citizens, Hon. Ibanga assured them of the administration’s continued commitment to their well-being. “You are not forgotten. This government sees you, hears you, and will continue to stand by you,” she said.
She also called on families and communities to follow the Governor’s example by caring for and supporting the elderly. “Small acts of kindness multiply into lasting impact,” she added.
The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Etukudo, commended the Governor for the programme.
She described it as a compassionate and inspiring intervention that has restored hope to elderly citizens. She further noted that old age is a divine gift that must be treasured and praised the Governor’s inclusive approach to governance as worthy of emulation.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly, Mrs. Mercy Eka, revealed that more than 6,000 elderly persons have already benefited from the programme, with an additional 1,200 set to receive stipends, bringing the total to 7,200 beneficiaries across the state.
She confirmed that each beneficiary receives a monthly payment of ₦50,000.
Mrs. Eka also announced that the Governor has approved free registration of senior citizens under the Arise Care Health Insurance Scheme, giving them access to quality healthcare without cost. She said the initiative continues to rekindle hope among elderly citizens and is a clear reflection of the Governor’s compassion and dedication to inclusive welfare.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Wife of the APC State Chairman, Mrs. Ini Ntukekpo, and the Chairman of the State Secondary Education Board, Dr. Ekaette Okon, both of whom praised the Governor for his consistent support of the elderly. They remarked that such a level of welfare commitment is unprecedented in the state’s history.
Other speakers included Dr. Edikan Ekwere, who presented details of the Arise Care programme, and Elder Victor Akpan, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries to express their gratitude for what they described as a life-changing initiative.
The event was attended by the Wife of the Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Uduak Essien, Honorary Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, wives of Commissioners, Vice Chairmen of local councils, members of the WALGON body, traditional rulers, community leaders, and elderly beneficiaries from various local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.
This welfare initiative, in addition to providing financial stipends, incorporates healthcare coverage, community engagement, and social support systems.
It aligns with the state government’s broader strategy to improve quality of life for citizens, reduce poverty levels, and promote inclusive governance in line with high-value public welfare policies.
The monthly stipends, healthcare insurance, and community programmes under the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly remain a strong social protection model in Nigeria, ensuring that senior citizens are respected, supported, and empowered within their communities.
