Mrs. Otti Reaffirms Abia’s Commitment To Elderly Welfare On 2025 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
...Leads Call for Data-Driven Action and Dignity for Senior Citizens
Abia State Governor’s Wife Leads Call for Data-Driven Action and Dignity for Senior Citizens. In a heartfelt address marking the 2025 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the wife of the Governor of Abia State, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, has called for collective action to protect the dignity, rights, and well-being of the state’s elderly population.
The event, themed “Addressing Abuse of Older Adults in Abia State: Through Data and Action,” began with an advocacy walk through the city, symbolizing the shared commitment to ending elder abuse in all its forms. The awareness campaign was spearheaded by the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, under the leadership of Commissioner Mrs. Blessing Ngozi Felix, whom Mrs. Otti commended for her vision and dedication.
Speaking at the event, Her Excellency emphasized that elder abuse—whether physical, emotional, financial, or through neglect—is a pressing issue with far-reaching consequences. She stressed the importance of leveraging data to understand the scope of abuse and to craft responsive, targeted policies and interventions.
“Our elders have built our communities and shared their wisdom,” she said. “Now, it is our turn to protect, support, and uplift them.”
Highlighting the state government’s ongoing initiatives, Mrs. Otti outlined significant efforts by the administration of Governor Alex Otti, including:
- Commitment to Pensioners’ Welfare: Prompt and consistent payment of pensions to ensure elderly citizens live with financial stability and dignity.
- Improved Access to Healthcare: Upgrades to medical facilities across the state to ensure quality healthcare services are accessible to senior citizens.
- Legislative Backing: The recent passage of 18 executive bills into law, including the Abia State Senior Citizens Law 2025, which provides a legal framework for the care and protection of elderly persons in the state.
“These actions reflect our government’s dedication to fostering a society where the elderly are not only protected but celebrated,” Mrs. Otti noted.
She called on all stakeholders—government bodies, community leaders, families, and individuals—to work in unity to combat elder abuse and create inclusive communities that value their older members.
“To our elderly citizens, we hear you, we see you, and we are committed to protecting your rights. You remain a guiding light to our shared values,” she concluded.
The event ended with a strong consensus: addressing elder abuse requires not just empathy but decisive, data-driven action to ensure that every senior citizen in Abia lives with dignity, safety, and respect.
