Edo State/Obaseki
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has signed the Edo State Senior Citizens’ Policy which will prioritize better welfare for the elderly in the state.
Addressing the elderly at an event held at the Baptist Convention Ground in Benin City, to mark the 2022 National Day for Senior Citizens, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Ifueko Alufohai said the celebration highlights the impact of ageing population in the society.
The event featured physical exercises and medical screening for the elderly organised by the state government.
She said, The Edo State Senior Citizens Policy was approved by the Governor with a directive that modalities be immediately put in place to ensure its smooth implementation.
She noted that the event is aimed at celebrating and honoring the contributions of these older individuals to the society through the years, While they may seem to be requiring assistance and care at this stage of their lives
The permanent secretary reiterated the commitment of the state government to improving the welfare of the senior citizens, noting, “Our commitments to the welfare of senior citizens has propelled our actions to ensuring that we have a legal framework that addresses various needs of older persons.
In another development, Governor Godwin Obaseki has suspended three heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) for negligence and dereliction of duty.
Chris Nehikhare, the commissioner for communication and orientation, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the weekly executive council meeting chaired by the governor on Wednesday in Government House in Benin.
The three heads of local government include Owan West, Owan East and Igueben.
He said They have refused to keep to the directive of the government instructing them not to allow heavy-duty vehicles pass through their areas, despite the damage done to the roads.
The commissioner explained that the local government heads were suspended for failing on their duties of protecting the government’s infrastructural assets.
Mr Nehikhare added that to protect state roads, a ban was placed on articulated vehicles weighing up to 30 tonnes from plying the roads, as the roads are not designed to carry vehicles weighing over 30 tonnes.
According to him, These heavy-duty vehicles should use the Federal Government roads designed for such purposes
The Commissioner who expressed dissatisfaction on how the roads are being destroyed by travellers who don’t contribute to the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state but pass through these roads and damage it called on all appointees in these areas to stop these vehicles.
