By Emmanuel Ndon
The launch of ARISE Care for the Elderly is a prudent and compassionate approach toward developing Akwa Ibom State under Governor Umo Eno. It symbolizes a government that perceives development not solely in the context of roads, edifices and economic expansion, but equally through human dignity, welfare and integration of the vulnerable sector.
At its root, the program signifies an intervention in the area of social protection aimed at improving the quality of life of senior citizens throughout the state. By placing emphasis on the elderly, the administration recognizes that they are often the bearers of the consequences of old age, poor financial status, health concerns and neglect in the community; hence the program is considered both humanitarian and developmental in nature.
Older people hold a very special position in the society, given that they are custodians of memory, values and the history of the community. Many of them serve as a bridge between generations in their various homes and societies and their well-being largely determines the moral health of the society. ARISE Care for the Elderly thus reiterates that these elders are deserving of support and public regard.
A significant feature of the program is that it redefines governance from simply infrastructure provision to social justice, as a society only demonstrates real advancement when it enhances the lives of the aged, poor and vulnerable. This program is an indication of inclusive development.
The launch of ARISE Care for the Elderly is a manifestation of the administration’s overarching vision on people-centric governance. This vision aims to ensure that public policies reach the grassroots and respond to the needs of humans. As the program is dedicated to enhancing the welfare of the aged, it naturally fits into this vision.
The program is expected to also have positive impacts on the welfare of the family, since families often bear enormous social and financial responsibilities of old parents. State support can considerably alleviate the financial and psychological stress faced by households.
From a public health perspective, elders frequently necessitate frequent medical interventions, assistance in daily activities and consistent follow-up on age-related ailments. Such assistance will improve their health standards and minimize the risks of neglect and untreatment of ailments.
In addition, the program is vital in the moral and cultural contexts. While the society generally venerates the elderly, modern socioeconomic realities often compromise the practice of such regard. Through the creation of this program, the state attempts to rekindle the spirit of communal respect, gratitude and care.
The program can be instrumental in the stability of the society. The elderly do not often need to be subjected to severe hardships and isolation that can potentially make them vulnerable to distress. Moreover, a society that shows respect and care for its elders may potentially engender greater public confidence since it would view the government as responsive and benevolent.
The symbolic relevance of the initiative to the development of the state is an additional virtue. It clearly signals a state that not only values its future generations, but also cherishes the founders of the current society. This aspect points to leadership maturity.
ARISE Care for the Elderly makes the Governor Umo Eno’s regime more substantial in its social development credentials. This social intervention enhances the successes achieved in security, agriculture, education and youth empowerment, by not marginalizing any vital social group. In this regard, the elderly are no longer left out, making development all the more meaningful.
Community participation may also grow due to the initiative. In fact, local government councils, family associations, religious bodies and civil society organisations have roles to play to ensure the program’s success. Community partnership is an essential prerequisite to achieving success in any social intervention program.
In a family and community-centered society like Akwa Ibom State, a program aimed at enhancing the living standards of the elderly is bound to be welcomed warmly. It emphasizes compassion as one of the cardinal features of governance and, at the same time, teaches younger generations about the ethical considerations associated with old age.
It is therefore expedient that the establishment of ARISE Care for the Elderly is a commendable achievement in the annals of Akwa Ibom State development. It showcases the vision of an administration that recognizes the success of any society by assessing its quality of life and inclusive development, not just infrastructure alone.
