By Amos Aar
ELDERLY citizens in Benue State have cried out for care and attention from their children, well-spirited individuals, and the government, lamenting increasing neglect despite their sacrifices in building society.
One of them, Mama Dorcas Gumgum, speaking during the 2025 International Day for Older Persons celebration at the CEPACOV Old Persons Home, Judges Quarters, Makurdi on Wednesday said, many aged people are abandoned by their families. She, however, expressed gratitude to the Mothers of Faith Foundation for remembering and encouraging them on such a significant day.
Other elders, including Baba Vincent Anvanger Viashima, Mama Cecilia Nenge, Samuel Okwori, and Esther Anvanger, echoed similar feelings, saying the visit had brought joy and relief to their hearts. Elder Peter Agbile, the oldest resident at the home, offered prayers for the foundation, asking God to bless them for their kindness.
The celebration, themed “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Wellbeing, and Rights,” was marked with songs, prayers, and the presentation of gifts and cash donations to the senior citizens.
Coordinator of the foundation, Awashima Addingi, Esq., said the group chose to spend the day with the elderly to make them feel loved and appreciated while the country marked its independence anniversary.
Director of Clinical Psychology at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Dr. Ngosoo Perpetua Chia, reminded participants that the elderly remains the custodians of wisdom and values. She stressed that neglecting them has contributed to social problems facing today’s society, urging more deliberate efforts to care for older persons.
Senior Nurse at CEPACOV, Helen Nder, who received the foundation’s delegation, appreciated the gesture, saying the donations would go a long way in meeting the daily needs of the residents.
The United Nations set aside October 1 each year to honour the elderly, a tradition the Mothers of Faith Foundation has adopted as one of its core activities.
