Musa Muhammed
Following the official commissioning of the Old Age Support Program in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, Governor Umar Namadi’s administration has commenced payment of stipends to elderly citizens across the state.
In Kaugama Local Government Area, yesterday, a total of 198 elderly beneficiaries received N60,000 each as six-month stipends under the initiative implemented by the Jigawa State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
According to the Local Government Desk Officer, Yakubu Hassan, 18 selected senior citizens from each of the 11 wards in Kaugama benefitted from the payment, which covers their allowances for six months at N10,000 per month.
The Program Accountant, Abubakar Alhaji, explained that all beneficiaries, comprising elderly men and women, were issued ATM cards preloaded with funds to ease access to their stipends and promote financial inclusion.
Expressing their gratitude, some of the beneficiaries, including Hajiya Adde, Iya Yar Shehu, and Malam Manu Gajere, thanked Governor Namadi for initiating the program, which they said would greatly improve the living conditions of senior citizens.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Kaugama Local Government Council, Hon. Usman Masaki Dansule, commended Governor Namadi’s administration for its commitment to the welfare of the aged, describing the initiative as a demonstration of true dividends of democracy.
He noted that the scheme would go a long way in enhancing the well-being and dignity of the elderly across Jigawa State.
