Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has commended elderly persons in the state for their invaluable contribution to the growth and development of the state, stressing that their decades of service have laid the solid foundation for the state’s stability and progress.
Speaking at a special event tagged “ Senior Citizens Engagement with the Governor in Ado- Ekiti on Monday, as part of activities marking the second anniversary of his administration, Governor Oyebanji expressed deep appreciation for the contributions of the senior citizens, which according to him has motivated his government in delivering good governance to the people of the state.
The Governor who was represented at the event by his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, reiterated the commitment of his administration to welfare and wellbeing of the elderly, said the policies and programs of his government are elder-friendly.
He highlighted several initiatives targeted at enhancing the welfare of the senior citizens including, provision of easy access to basic facilities to enhance their well-being, upgrading and renovation of health facilities across the state, road constructions, prompt payment of pension, salaries, gratuities and free health insurance scheme, among others.
Oyebanji maintained that these efforts are part of his broader strategy to ensure that the senior populations is not left behind in the developmental strides of the state
Acknowledging the key role the elderly continue to play in shaping the state’s economy and ensuring stability, the Governor said the senior citizens deserve the utmost respect and support from both the government and the society.
“This administration and indeed the Governor values, in no small measure, your roles in the development of our dear state. Your wisdom, experience, input has greatly enhanced the successes achieved by this administration in the last two years.
“Distinguished elders, your welfare and well-being is central to the government agenda of this administration. This informed the state government’s efforts provision of easy access to basic facilities to enhance their well-being, upgrading and renovation of our health facilities, road construction, prompt payment of pensions, salaries, and gratuity, health insurance scheme, among others are all strategies to ensure the comfort of our senior citizens. He stated.
In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi appreciated the Governor for his interest in the elders’ well-being as well as the various elder-friendly programs, said the event was a clear demonstration of the unwavering love the Governor has for the elders and the acknowledgment of the invaluable roles in the state’s development .
Mrs. Babafemi charged the senior citizens to continue to pray for the Oyebanji led-administration so tha the good work of the Governor can continue.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman Council of Elders, Prof Joseph Oluwasanmi, represented by Prof Ibikunle Ogundipe, appreciated and commended the Governor for his commitment to the welfare of the elderly.
While thanking the Governor for recognizing their contributions to the development of the state, Prof. Oluwasanmi expressed confidence that the Governor’s administration would continue to initiate programs that would further enhance the living condition of the elderly.
Highlight of the event was a special prayers session held for the Governor led by the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria in Ekiti, Rev Emmanuel Aribasoye.