By joshua 
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
The deputy governor of Edo State, Comrade Phillip Shaibu has called on Elderly People in the state to remember the state government in their prayers.
Shaibu who made the call while addressing the Elderly Persons Association of Nigeria , ( EPAN), in their monthly meeting in Benin City noted that the prayers is needed
in this difficult times as things are no longer as it use to be in the state.
“I appealed to everyone, both the old and the young to please remember us in their prayers.
“once people are use to one thing, it takes time to change them, hence is taking so much time to put things in the right perceptives.
” I also advice that every body go for the Covid 19 Vaccine. I assure you all that it has no side effects, as I have taken mine for the past six months”,he said.
Earlier, the Vice Chairman of the Elderly Persons Association in the state, Honourable Chief Eddy Ogbomo ,JP, in his welcome address, said, today is, “A Day WITH THE ELDERLY”.
We regret the poor attention been given to our elderly people in the society.
He said, ” the majority of homes , which are in thousands and for the Elderly, who could be in the many more thousands, located in our urban and rural areas, remain neglected and in desperate need for comfort, feeding and healthcare.
He appealed to,Edo State government, to consider a promise she made years back to the Association, to commence an Elderly Persons Friendly policy and make it visible, like building an old People’s home, making adequate provision stock up, in comfort, medication and Health Support in such a home.
He Suggested that the old People’s home facility could be planted in every local government headquarters in the state.
He added that, ” what our people need is proper education on such age related diseases, such as Alzheimer, Schizophrenia, Dementia and know their signs and syptoms and have relate with love, to the elderly who live in such conditions.
He Condemned the sad Cultural practice of regarding the mentally challenged elderly Persons, especially in the rural areas, as witches and wizards.
Also, a former commissioner in the state ,in the ministry of women Affairs, Honourable Magdalene Ohenhen used the occasion to celebrate her 50th birthday anniversary with the elderly.
Ohenhen said, ” I am greatful to have been given an opportunity to celebrate with the elderly people.
” Today is my 50th birthday, the elderly people honoured me by shifting their monthly meeting to today, to enable me celebrate with them.
” And co incidentally I share the same birthday with my father in law.It is a day I will always remember in my life time. So I am looking forward and praying that one day I will attain such age and belong to the age group”.
Health talks were delivered by
UBTH Elder Friendly Hospitals Initiative ( ELDFRHI), headed by Proffessor Mrs Obehi Akoria of the Department of Clinical Services, UBTH.
Some of the topics were ; “Simple Hygiene in the Covid 19 era, and Nultritional Requirements for the Elderly.’
End.