Abia Celebrates Day Of The Boy Child, Reaffirms Commitment To Protecting Elderly Citizens

The Abia State Government on Tuesday, celebrated the International Day of the Boy Child, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of elderly persons through the implementation of the state’s Senior Citizens Law.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of yesterday’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Prince Kanu said the State, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Governor, had chosen June 16, the Day of the African Child, to celebrate the Boy Child under the theme, “Empowering Boys for a Greater Future”.

He said about 1,000 boys were expected to participate in activities lined up for the celebration, including debates, quiz, spelling competitions, digital skills training and character-building sessions.

According to the Commissioner, the programme would also focus on teaching the boys respect for women and girls, while all participants would receive gifts and winners of the competitions would be rewarded with prizes.

Prince Kanu also announced that the State had joined the global community in observing the 2026 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, in line with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 65/102, which seeks to draw attention to abuse, neglect, exploitation and social exclusion faced by older persons.

He said the theme for this year’s commemoration, “Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work,” called for practical actions by governments, communities, institutions and families to protect the dignity, safety and rights of senior citizens.

The commissioner identified the enactment of the Abia State Senior Citizens Law No. 4 of 2025 as one of the major steps taken by the state government to safeguard the welfare of older persons.

Prince Kanu also highlighted the establishment of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre at Aba General Hospital as part of government’s efforts to tackle sexual and gender-based violence, including cases involving elderly persons.

The commissioner said activities lined up to mark the occasion include public sensitization campaigns on elders’ rights, protection services and available reporting mechanisms.

He added that the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection would engage senior citizens, community stakeholders and development partners on the Senior Citizens Policy Framework and strengthen collaboration with healthcare providers, community leaders and social protection actors.

Contributing, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Ngozi Felix, clarified misconceptions surrounding the state’s Senior Citizens Law, stressing that it does not provide monthly salaries or stipends to all persons aged 60 and above.

Mrs Felix said Abia was among a few states in Nigeria with a legal framework specifically dedicated to the welfare and protection of senior citizens.

According to her, the Abia State Senior Citizens Law No. 4 of 2025 guarantees healthcare, social protection and welfare support for elderly persons, particularly those who are indigent and vulnerable.

She explained that under the law, any person aged 60 years and above is recognised as a senior citizen in the state. The commissioner, however, dismissed claims that the law provides monthly salaries for all elderly residents.

“The law does not guarantee free salaries for anybody who attains the age of 60.

“It is not designed to encourage people to stop working or depend entirely on government support.

“Many persons who are 60 years and above are still active and contributing meaningfully to society.

“The law is intended to provide support for those who are unable to cater for themselves and require assistance”, the commissioner said.

Mrs Felix disclosed that the ministry had established a committee to develop a policy framework that would guide the implementation of the law.

She said various interventions had already been undertaken by the state government and the Office of the Wife of the Governor to support elderly persons, particularly those facing health and economic challenges.

According to her, older persons are also among beneficiaries of social protection programmes, including cash transfer initiatives targeting vulnerable groups.

“The Ministry encourages all Abians to stand against elder abuse, support older persons within their communities and promote an inclusive society where every senior citizen can live in dignity, security and hope”, she said.

Mrs Felix added that the date for the state’s major commemoration of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day would be announced in due course.

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