The Wife of the Ekiti Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, on Monday provided welfare support to 500 elderly citizens across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.
The beneficiaries received food packages and cash gifts during the distribution exercise in Ado-Ekiti.
Speaking at the event, Oyebanji said the gesture was aimed at appreciating the contributions of the elderly to the development of the state.
She described the intervention as an expression of love and appreciation for senior citizens, noting that their sacrifices and contributions to their families, communities and the state deserved recognition and continued support.
Oyebanji acknowledged that the intervention might not meet all their needs but expressed hope that it would provide relief and reassure them of the government’s commitment to their well-being.
“We understand that this provision may not meet every need, but we hope it brings some comfort to your homes and serves as a reminder that you are valued, remembered and deeply cherished by this government,” she said.
She said the state government would continue to implement people-oriented policies to improve the living conditions of vulnerable groups, particularly senior citizens, women and children.
The governor’s wife added that Gov. Biodun Oyebanji’s second term would provide more opportunities to extend democratic dividends to residents of the state.
In her remarks, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, commended the elderly for their contributions to the growth and development of the state.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Peju Babafemi, commended the beneficiaries for their support for the governor and the state.
The Chairman of the Ekiti Elders’ Council, Mr Gabriel Oni, expressed gratitude to the state government for recognising the contributions of senior citizens through the initiative.
Also, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Mr Joel Akinola, said the gesture would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of senior citizens in the state.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Iyabo Adeojo, described the gesture as a demonstration of appreciation for the roles played by the elderly in society.
She pledged their continued support for programmes aimed at promoting peace, unity and development in the state.
