Sunday March 8, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
Wife of Nigeria’s President, Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, applauded Umo Eno for what she described as “a bold and compassionate commitment to the welfare of the elderly,” as Akwa Ibom State formally unveiled a state-of-the-art Senior Citizens Centre in Uyo.
Speaking during the commissioning of the ultra-modern facility, named Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre, located within the Medical City along the Uyo–Ikot Ekpene Road, Mrs. Tinubu praised the governor for prioritising social protection for senior citizens and translating vision into impactful programmes.
She noted that the project, conceived by the governor’s late wife, Patience Umo Eno, represents a compassionate and forward-looking investment in the dignity, wellbeing and security of elderly citizens.
The First Lady said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a commendable model that other states should emulate.
Mrs. Tinubu also applauded the Akwa Ibom State Government for implementing a social security programme that provides a monthly stipend of ₦50,000 to elderly residents, describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of compassionate governance.
“I commend Governor Umo Eno for these thoughtful projects and for honouring the elderly in the state. While serving in the Senate, I sponsored a bill aimed at ensuring that senior citizens receive government support through stipends and other welfare programmes,” she said.
In his remarks, Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to policies and programmes that promote the welfare, health and dignity of citizens, particularly the elderly.
The governor explained that the Senior Citizens Centre was inspired by the vision and compassion of his late wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, noting that the facility stands as a fulfilment of that vision and a testament to the administration’s people-focused governance philosophy.
“My government is deeply connected to ensuring the welfare of our people, especially our elders. We will not spare any effort in ensuring that our citizens enjoy good health and a dignified life,” the Governor said.
Governor Eno commended the Chief Delivery Advisor on the project, Dr. Ita Anwan James, as well as the contracting firm, U&K Construction Ltd, for delivering a quality project, adding that the initiative complements the social protection ideals embedded in the federal government’s Renewed Hope Initiative.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, also lauded the governor’s initiative, assuring that the 10th Senate would continue to support legislative efforts aimed at strengthening social protection frameworks for senior citizens nationwide.
The First Lady was accompanied to the event by the Wife of the Senate President, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, over 20 wives of governors from across the country, the Iman Sulaiman-Ibrahim, as well as other senior government officials and dignitaries.
Coordinator, Office of the First Lady in Akwa Ibom State, Helen Obareki, expressed appreciation to Mrs. Tinubu for honouring the memory of the late Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
Earlier, the Delivery Advisor on the Senior Citizens Centre Project, Dr. Ita Anwan James, presented an overview of the facility.
The centre provides a comprehensive support hub designed to enhance the wellbeing of senior citizens. Facilities include reception and coordinated support services, a primary healthcare unit comprising a clinic, pharmacy, laboratory and observation rooms.
Other amenities include an arts and crafts gallery, supermarket, kitchen and dining restaurant, lounge and recreational games room, chapel and counselling room, gymnasium and library, as well as outdoor relaxation areas and a therapeutic orchard designed to promote healthy and active living for elderly residents.
