Lagos To Open Five Elderly Care Centres

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, says as part of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of pensioners and senior citizens in the state, five elderly care centres will be constructed

in 2017.The governor, who spoke at the 2016 Senior Citizens/Pensioners Day celebration, stated that the centres would be built in Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry, Alimosho and on Lagos Island.He described pensioners and senior citizens as strategic class of people who deserved to be celebrated.Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, said the government had interest in the welfare of the senior citizens who had spent their youthful period in serving their fatherland.He said, “Since we came on board, we have remained committed to our workers’ welfare, as well as that of our retirees. We have also prioritised payment of retirees’ benefits, especially those that have accrued over the years.“A total of N21.929bn accrued pension has been paid to 5,027 retirees. Also, about N1.5bn intervention fund has been approved for the payment of outstanding gratuities and accrued pensions to local government retirees, including the balance of 142 per cent pension arrears.”Ambode noted that the theme of the celebration, ‘Take a stand against ageism,’ was appropriate considering the discriminatory attitudes towards old people, old age and the aging process.The Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Dr Akintola Oke, said the government would continue to ensure that retirees get what was due to them statutorily.