To extend social care services to the aged in their individual homes, First/Best Domiciliary Home Care World, a Non-governmental organization, NGO, has been launched in Awka, Anambra State capital.
Host and Director of Care Services of the organization in Nigeria, Apostle Ekene Mba said services of the NGO will satisfy many people who have longed for care services for their aged ones; who form part of the over 80% of senile population that lack good domestic care, thereby spend old age all through in pains due to negligence or lack of trained care giver in the society.
To sustain, improve and ensure that the care services get to more people, Apostle Mbah called for help in procuring two errand shuttle buses for movement across the state, ambulance car for rapid response in any case of emergency, mini coaster bus for strolling with the aged persons; as part of their fun experiences, a piece of land to build a geriatric home center for training of care givers, senile relaxation, fun and homing of a small percentage of aged people who have no home of their own.
Chief host and International Director of the NGO, Professor Nnamdi Ofodile, while commending sensitivity of the Soludo administration in bringing healthcare services closer to the people, especially disadvantaged section, promised to provide necessary partnership to achieve the Governor’s objectives.
He called on all to cultivate the habit of caring for their aged ones, saying that they are still relevant in the society.
Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, who welcomed the partnership the organization is providing through the home care services, said the state has data on the aged population, adding that in addition to existing ones, more robust packages are being planned for their wellbeing.
Earlier, the Chairman on the occasion, Mr. Mike Nwafor regretted that life expectancy in Nigeria stands at 57, showing obvious neglect for the aged population who, he said, are needed for meaningful contributions to the society.
He noted that traditionally, aged people prefer care given to them in their homes; rather than taking them to a care home as it’s done in other civilized society; where old people’s homes are built for their harbour, thereby helping them to age successfully.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, in his remarks, assured of support of the media in acheiving set objectives of the NGO for the aged.
The event, attended by the traditional ruler of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu, represented by Ozor Mike Onwuaso, traditional ruler of Nawfia, Igwe Daniel Obelle, represented by Mr. Isaac Aghamba, the traditional ruler of Ifitedunu, Igwe Dr. Emeka Ilouno, featured cutting of inaugural cake.
Credit: Joseph Egbeocha (ABS News)
