The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the Edo State Policy on Aging to provide social care and protection for senior citizens in the state.
The Edo State Commissioner for Orientation and Communication, Andrew Emwanta, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin City, said the policy is part of efforts by the government to uphold the rights and dignity of senior citizens.
He said the Governor approved the new policy at the weekly Executive Council (EXCO) meeting, at the Government House, Benin City.
He said, “The Executive Council has approved the Edo State Policy on Aging which will provide social care and protection for senior citizens. The Council resolved that the policy should move from being a policy on aging to a policy for senior citizens and the age of senior citizens was put at 65 years and above after careful deliberations.
“The Council has asked the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues to come up with an action plan and implementation strategy on this new policy.”
Reassuring the government’s commitment to the welfare of elderly persons in the state, Emwanta said the Obaseki-led state government will sustain policies and programmes to guarantee an improved quality of life for senior citizens in the state.
