From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti has warned against abuse of elderly persons in society, saying such was an abomination in this part of the clime.
Mrs. Otti gave the warning during an event in Umuahia, tagged, “Addressing Abuse of Older Adults in Abia State Through Data and Action.”
She described elderly persons abuse as a pervasive societal ill that manifests in various forms such as physical, emotional, financial abuse, and neglect.
The Abia First Lady emphasized that elders are the backbone of society who have raised generations, built communities, and passed down enduring values and therefore should be duly respected and taken care of.
“Our elders loved us unconditionally, raised us with wisdom, and shared their visions with us. We owe them not only our gratitude but a strong system of care and protection.”
The Wife of the Governor called on stakeholders to unite in tackling elderly persons abuse and ensuring senior citizens across the state live in dignity and with the care they deserve.
She lauded the state government’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens in the state.
Mrs. Otti urged elderly citizens to take advantage of healthcare facilities provided by government to take care of their health challenges.
She commended Governor Otti for his commitment to the welfare of senior citizens, particularly in ensuring prompt payment of pensions and expanding access to quality healthcare services for the elderly.
Mrs. Otti equally praised the Governor for signing into law 18 executive bills, including the Abia State Senior Citizens Law 2025 and the Elderly Persons Welfare Law, which legally mandate the protection and care of the aged in Abia State.
The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Blessing Felix, commended Mrs. Otti’s sustained commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of senior citizens.
She spoke if her ministry’s resolve to partner with the Office of the Wife of the Governor and other stakeholders to combat elder abuse in the state.
Chairman of the National Senior Citizens Centre in Abia State, Nwaka Otti, lauded Governor Otti for signing into law the Senior Citizens Welfare Bill and for making the wellbeing of elders a policy priority.