Alzheimer Disease Foundation Restates Resolve To End Abuse Of Elderly Persons
By Chibuzor Obidike
As parts of its continuous advocacy for a better welfare for elderly persons, Alzheimer Disease Foundation has restated its commitment to end all forms of abuse against elderly persons in Anambra State.
The non-governmental organization gave the assurance during an event it organized to mark this year’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Amawbia, Awka South LGA.
The event which took place at Amawbia town hall began with a road walk by elderly persons who came out in their numbers to raise awareness on the various forms of abuses, maltreatments and neglects they pass through on daily basis.
Speaking during the event, the Deputy Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Chukwuma Okoye, commended Alzheimer Disease Foundation for their contribution to the welfare of the senior citizens, and assured that the state House of Assembly will partner her foundation for laws that will improve the living conditions of the aged in the state.
In an address, the founder of the foundation, Iyom Josephine Anenih, pointed out that the day is a call to action and reminder of the collective duty to protect and cherish the dignity of the elders.
She frowned at the prevalence of elder abuse in many forms, which she described as an issue that cuts across borders, cultures and economies.
While reminding the public that senior citizens are not strangers; but parents, teachers, mentors and friends who have paved ways for all, the former Minister of Women Affairs said that it is their turn to ensure that their twilight years are spent in peace, respect and love.
She explained that this is why Alzheimer Disease Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to raise awareness about elder abuse and provide support to those affected by Alzheimer and other forms of dementia.
Receiving award at the event, the Managing Director of ABS, Sir Chido, represented by the Director of News and Current Affairs department of the establishment, Mrs. Judy Jeff-Nwabueze, expressed delight with the tremendous impact of Alzheimer Disease Foundation on the wellbeing of senior citizens, which he said is in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s all-inclusive government and his preparedness towards building a world class elderly people’s home to address some of the issues being faced by the aged.
He called for more responsiveness from the society, children, communities and stakeholders to the welfare of the elderly in various communities.
Educating the people on some health tips for the elderly people, the Chairman, Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, Anambra Chapter, Dr. Irene Okeke, and a volunteer doctor in the foundation, Dr. Uzoma Chidi-Okereke, revealed that elderly people are exposed to abuses and denied proper medical attention because of lack of care from families and society, and called on people to bring their elderly parents or relatives to Alzheimer Disease Foundation for check up every Tuesday and Wednesday, saying that the foundation has certified doctors that will attend them professionally.
Responding on behalf of the elderly, Chiefs Mike Akubude from Amawbia and Nwabueze Umeji-Akabogu from Enugwu-Ukwu appreciated the founder of Alzheimer Disease Foundation for the attention, love and commitment towards bettering the condition of the aged in the state, and called for partnership by state, private sector and well-meaning individuals to establish elderly people’s home in all the local government areas of the state for total reduction of abuses.
Dances, drama and various performances formed the high points of the event.
During the event, the foundation honoured the
, and the Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, Sir Chido Obidiegwu, for their tireless commitment to the welfare of the elderly and efforts to uphold their dignity through social change.
