The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster, Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq has flagged – off the distribution of palliatives to Older Persons in Karshi, Abuja.
She said the distribution of the palliatives is in response to the aftermath of the effect of the lockdown on the older persons who have become vulnerable in the society.
According to her, “people who under normal circumstances can fend for themselves, now cannot do that. Our aged population are people that deserve our care and concern and I am happy various speakers on their own have decided to give service to humanity, to this very social group.
“Today we are here to deliver these relief materials in the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory”
She further disclosed that the members of the civil society who are working alongside the Ministry will deliver the rest of the items to the elderly people where they reside in order not to expose them to harsh weather as well as other hardship on their way to pick the items.
The Minister, on behalf of President Mohammadu Buhari assured the vulnerable population of the country that Government is doing everything possible to see that it brings succour to them through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
She also appreciated the effort of the staff of the Ministry and other organisations towards the success of the event and urged the older persons to abide by the guidelines of the Government in observing social distancing, maintaining good hygiene and remaining at home.
The items distributed are, half bag of rice, 5kg garri, packets of milk, salt, packets of macaroni, 4 litres of vegetable oil and 1 wrapper per person, for 500 beneficiaries.
The President of the Coalition of Societies for Older Persons In Nigeria, Senator Dr. Eze Ajoku, said that isolating the older persons has cost a lot of challenge for them at this period and the gesture of the Government will go a long way to help them.
He used the opportunity to appeal to government to reduce the cost of the medications of older persons who cannot afford the drugs they use and medical attention.
Present at the occasion were the Chief of Karshi, Alhaji Ismaila Danjuma Mohammed and Civil Society Groups.
Deputy Director (Information)
Rhoda Iliya
16 May, 2020