In a press release Saturday morning to mark Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Anambra State Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, commended Mrs. Nonye Soludo, wife of the Governor of Anambra State, for her dedicated efforts towards improving the lives of the elderly in the state.
Commissioner Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche lauded Mrs. Soludo for her passion, care, and interventions for the elderly, particularly through her non-governmental initiative, “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo.” She highlighted Mrs. Soludo’s recent distribution of multi-vitamin supplements to over 27,000 elderly persons as a significant move towards fostering a healthier society.
The Commissioner noted that Mrs. Soludo’s commitment has inspired numerous state government programs aimed at enhancing the welfare of senior citizens. Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche also announced that the state government is developing plans to integrate care for the poor and elderly into its broader social welfare strategies.
She urged residents to prioritize the care of the elderly and to refrain from actions that could harm or emotionally damage them, emphasizing the importance of this demographic to the state.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed on June 15, was established by a United Nations General Assembly resolution to unite communities in combating the abuse, mistreatment, and neglect of older people. Elder abuse can manifest in various forms, including financial, emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, or social, and can range from subtle to extreme in severity.