Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has approved the release of over N344 million for the implementation of the Elderly Care Program aimed at improving the welfare and dignity of senior citizens across the state.
He made this known while launching the Jigawa State Old Age Social Protection Scheme at the Dutse Local Government Secretariat.
Governor Namadi said the initiative will provide monthly cash transfers, free healthcare services, and psychosocial support to promote healthy and active ageing among older persons.
According to Governor Namadi, the programme completes the state’s life-cycle approach to social protection, complementing existing interventions that target pregnant and lactating mothers, as well as children under the age of five.
“The life-cycle framework ensures that no segment of society is left behind. It promotes dignity, equity, and access to essential services for all, especially the vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our communities,” he said.
Under the first phase of the scheme, each of the 287 political wards in Jigawa will have 20 beneficiaries, making a total of 5,740 elderly persons set to benefit.
Namadi explained that the Jigawa State Rehabilitation Board will oversee the cash transfer component, while the Jigawa State Contributory Health Insurance Management Agency (JICHMA) will handle the free healthcare services.
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development will coordinate long-term care, including home visits, counselling, and psychosocial support.
The governor also highlighted other ongoing social protection programs, including the Maternal Cash Transfer Scheme, which has been expanded to provide N7,000 monthly to 30 beneficiaries per ward, up from N5,000 for 20 beneficiaries.
In addition, he announced the revival of the Monthly Social Security Scheme for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) following amendments to its enabling law.
The reform increased the number of beneficiaries per local government from 150 to 200 and raised the monthly payment from N7,000 to N10,000. Enrollment for 5,200 new beneficiaries has already commenced across the state.
Governor Namadi reaffirmed that these initiatives align with his administration’s 12-Point Agenda, particularly the pillar on Social Welfare and Inclusive Development, which seeks to uplift vulnerable groups, including the elderly, women, and persons with disabilities.
“All these interventions demonstrate our firm commitment to building a socially inclusive Jigawa where every citizen, regardless of age or condition, lives with dignity and access to essential services,” he affirmed.
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(Tribune)
