1,200 senior citizens in Akwa Ibom State on Thursday, April 2, 2026, received N50,000 each under the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly, a welfare programme aimed at improving the well-being of older persons in the state, and enrollment into the Akwa Ibom State health insurance scheme - ARISECare.
The event, the first edition of the initiative for 2026, took place at the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, described the initiative as a promise kept and a reflection of Governor Umo Eno’s dedication to the welfare of vulnerable groups.
She explained that the ultramodern facility was deliberately designed to provide a space where the elderly citizens in the state could enjoy the companionship of others, and interact with their peers.
"Today's gathering of our senior citizens is a physical manifestation of a promise kept. This is a centre where our senior citizens are encouraged to come and find that companionship. There is nothing that says that you must live your old age in isolation. And I think that that was the vision of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno.
"The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has always maintained that the "E" in the ARISE Agenda includes a robust focus on Education and Social Welfare, a reflection of His Excellency’s belief that a society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable, especially those who spent their youth building the Akwa Ibom we enjoy today," she said.
According to her, the centre aligns with the Renewed Hope Initiative of the Federal Government and the ARISE Agenda of the state government, which prioritises education and social welfare, emphasising that the institutionalisation of the initiative ensures that the elderly are not left behind in the state’s development efforts but remain central to government policies and programmes.
She described the Senior Citizens as “reservoirs of wisdom,” assuring them of their value to society, while encouraging them to make full use of the facility.
In her words; "Your prayers have sustained this state, and it is our turn to sustain you, even as we hope and pray that this centre becomes a place of laughter, health, and renewed strength for you all, whenever you visit. You are not meant to live in isolation. This centre is open to you at all times. Come here, interact, relax, and enjoy the environment created for your well-being."
“I urge our beneficiaries not to be in a hurry to leave this centre today. Even when we depart, please relax and enjoy the facilities provided for your relaxation and comfort,” she added.
The Wife of the Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Council, Mrs Etiemana Umoh welcomed the First Lady Designate, Lady Helen Eno Obareki and other government officials to the ultra-modern facility.
Setting the tone for the ceremony, the Coordinator, ARISE Initiative for the Elderly, Mrs Mercy Eka, noted that the programme is committed to improving the welfare of senior citizens, ensuring they are valued, seen, and respected in society.
Mrs Eka, who highlighted that 12,000 elderly persons have benefited from the scheme, commended Governor Umo Eno for prioritising the needs of the elderly through the social investment initiative, describing it as a structured intervention programme, designed to provide support, including access to quality health insurance services.
In their goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Eno Ibanga and the Delivery Advisor to the Governor on the Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre, Dr. Ita-anwan James, described as laudable, the holistic approach towards caring for the elderly, stating that Akwa Ibom State has set the pace in elderly care by being the first in the country to establish an Elderly Citizens Home.
They applauded Governor Umo Eno's compassion and sustained support for senior citizens, while urging the residents to remain supportive of the ARISE Agenda, noting that the administration remains deliberate and committed to improving the welfare of the elderly in the state.
The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency, Dr Edikan Ekwere, educated the elderly on how to properly register and access the healthcare services provided by the State governments Health Insurance Scheme, while the Chief Nursing Officer of the facility, Mrs. Theresa Okon, spoke on the dietary needs and overall wellbeing of the elderly, were she emphasised the importance of consuming fiber-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, and essential vitamins to support digestion, muscle health and healthy ageing, also encouraging them on regular exercise, maintaining proper hygiene.
Speaking on behalf of the other beneficiaries, Obong Philip Obot appreciated Governor Umo Eno and Lady Helen Eno Obareki, for supporting, honouring and granting the elderly citizens in the state respect, noting that ageing is not a curse, but a stage of life that should be supported with love and care.
The event featured the symbolic presentation of cheques to selected beneficiaries, presentation of wheelchairs donated by women born in March to the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady for the centre during the march women’s prayer, as well as dancing competition by the senior citizens who received gifts from Lady Obareki.
The Elderly who were also thrilled by a performance from the Divine Children's Home cultural troupe, had earlier engaged their new found friends and acquaintances to the different games and recreational facilities provided at the centre.
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