Octogenarian Urges Support For The Elderly

An Octogenarian, Mr Pius Orji, has called for the establishment of a Social Support Scheme for the elderly to enable them overcome challenges associated with old age.
Orji made the call in Abakaliki in an interview with newsmen, as the world marks the Old Peoples Day.
According to him, old age is divine, honour and privilege, adding that those bestowed with such honour should be celebrated.
The 82-year old retiree of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, however, regretted that the old were being abandoned by government, even though they had contributed immensely to the development of the society.
He said that establishment of the scheme would enable the elderly to assess free medical care for age-related ailments.
“The aged ones in the society, especially in Nigeria, do not enjoy any social support programme that will enable them overcome some of the challenges associated with their age.
“Those of us who are pensioners do not receive our pension benefits on time, while a number of us have died waiting to receive these benefits.
“It is shameful that no form of social security programme is in place to act as succour to those who have contributed immensely to the development of the society,” Orji said.
Orji urged government to place premium on welfare of the elderly, saying that society owed a lot to this segment of society because they had contributed to its growth.
Our correspondent reports that the United Nations has designated October 2, every year, to celebrate the elderly people and draw focus on problems affecting them.