Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has unveiled a modern Senior Citizens Centre in Akwa Ibom State built by Governor Umo Eno and named in her honour, describing the project as a model that should be replicated across the country to improve the welfare of elderly citizens.
The facility, officially named the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre, was commissioned during the First Lady’s visit to the state as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebrations.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Mrs Tinubu praised Governor Umo Eno for prioritising the welfare of older citizens and creating a dedicated space designed to support their health, recreation and general wellbeing.
She said the initiative reflects the kind of structured support elderly Nigerians deserve after years of contributing to society.
“I am always delighted to see projects designed to cater for our elderly citizens. This centre aligns perfectly with my vision of what a senior citizens’ facility should look like,” she said.
The First Lady described the centre as an important step toward restoring dignity and care for elderly people, many of whom face health challenges and financial hardship in their later years.
She noted that some senior citizens in Nigeria are forced to depend on public charity because they lack adequate support systems.
“It is painful that some of our senior citizens have become beggars due to ill health and the inability to care for their needs. As a nation, we must do more to ensure that those who served society do not suffer neglect in old age,” she stated.
Mrs Tinubu used the opportunity to encourage state governments across Nigeria to adopt similar initiatives that will provide structured care, support and recreational spaces for elderly citizens.
According to her, the Akwa Ibom facility demonstrates how governments can create environments that promote dignity, health and social interaction for older people.
“This centre is a lofty initiative that will not only provide relaxation and recreation for our senior citizens but will also help them live younger in spirit and longer,” she said.
She further called on other states to replicate the initiative nationwide, stressing that the ageing population in Nigeria deserves greater policy attention.
Mrs Tinubu also acknowledged that the centre was originally the vision of the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno.
She commended Governor Umo Eno for carrying forward his late wife’s dream and completing the project.
“This initiative was the vision of the late First Lady, Pastor Patience Eno. I appreciate the Governor for advancing this vision and for inviting me to commission this beautiful centre,” she said.
The First Lady also highlighted how the project aligns with her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), particularly its Elderly Support Scheme designed to improve the welfare of older Nigerians.
She praised the Akwa Ibom State Government for domesticating the programme and providing consistent support for elderly citizens across the state.
Mrs Tinubu recalled that during her 12 years as a Senator, she consistently advocated policies and programmes that supported elderly citizens.
She also appealed to the leadership of the National Assembly to revisit legislation she had previously proposed to strengthen protections and support for senior citizens in Nigeria.
“I want to encourage the Senate President to revisit the bill I proposed while I was in the National Assembly for a law that supports senior citizens across our country,” she said.
Governor Umo Eno, in his remarks, thanked the First Lady for honouring the state with her presence and for unveiling the facility.
He said the centre represents a major step in recognising the contributions of elderly citizens to the development of Akwa Ibom State.
According to the Governor, the project was inspired by the vision of his late wife, Pastor Patience Eno, who was passionate about improving the lives of senior citizens.
“This project aligns with your Renewed Hope Initiative, especially as it relates to elders’ care. This is our own little way of saying to our elders, thank you for your service, your mentorship and your love,” Governor Eno said.
He emphasised that older citizens deserve gratitude and support from society after years of sacrifice and service.
“In old age, you should not walk alone. We should show our gratitude for all you have toiled and sacrificed for our state,” he added.
Governor Eno explained that the centre was designed to provide comfort, healthcare support and recreational opportunities for senior citizens.
The facility includes healthcare services, relaxation spaces and activity areas aimed at improving both the physical and emotional wellbeing of elderly residents.
The Governor also revealed that his administration has introduced several programmes targeted at supporting older citizens in the state.
Among them is a monthly welfare scheme where selected elderly residents receive financial assistance.
“Today, we can proudly tell you that every month across the 369 wards in our state, 600 elders receive fifty thousand naira each to support their immediate needs,” he said.
He added that many elderly citizens have also been enrolled in the Akwa Ibom State Medical Insurance Scheme free of charge, ensuring access to healthcare services.
Governor Eno further disclosed that the government plans to replicate the Senior Citizens Centre in the other two senatorial districts of the state so that more elderly residents can benefit from the initiative.
“We intend to replicate this centre in the other two senatorial districts so that more of our elders can enjoy the care and support they deserve,” he said.
The Governor also revealed that plans are underway to send a bill to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly that will establish a legal framework for elderly care programmes in the state.
He urged the Speaker and lawmakers to ensure the bill is passed quickly once presented.
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, also commended Governor Eno for his commitment to the welfare of elderly citizens and for naming the facility after the First Lady.
He described the centre as a thoughtful initiative that reflects the Governor’s compassionate leadership style.
Presenting an overview of the project, Delivery Advisor Dr Ita-Awan James said the facility was carefully designed to address the needs of elderly citizens who often face isolation and neglect.
According to her, the centre provides both healthcare and social engagement opportunities that will help elderly residents remain active and connected.
She explained that the centre includes a clinic to provide basic medical care as well as recreational spaces where senior citizens can exercise, socialise and participate in leisure activities.
“The centre was designed to give our elderly citizens a sense of belonging and comfort after years of service to the state,” she said.
Dr James also commended Governor Umo Eno for ensuring that the vision of the late Pastor Patience Eno was brought to reality through careful planning and supervision.
The commissioning ceremony attracted several dignitaries including the wife of the Senate President, Dr Unoma Akpabio; the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Udeme Itong; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo.
Also in attendance were wives of state governors, wives of National Assembly members, wives of ministers and other government officials who gathered to witness the unveiling of the facility dedicated to improving the welfare of senior citizens in the state.
