Copyright tribuneonlineng
Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has approved the release of over ₦344 million for the implementation of the Elderly Care Programme aimed at improving the welfare of senior citizens across the state. The governor disclosed this while launching the Jigawa State Old Age Social Protection Scheme at the Dutse Local Government Secretariat. He said the initiative will provide monthly cash transfers, free healthcare services, and psychosocial support to promote the well-being and dignity of older persons in the state. According to Namadi, the programme marks the completion of 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,” the governor stated. Under the first phase of the scheme, each of the 287 political wards in the state will have 20 beneficiaries, making a total of 5,740 elderly persons 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 to promote healthy and active ageing. The governor also highlighted other ongoing social protection initiatives, including the Maternal Cash Transfer Scheme, which has been expanded to provide ₦7,000 monthly to 30 beneficiaries per ward, up from ₦5,000 for 20 beneficiaries. In addition, he announced the revival of the Monthly Social Security Scheme for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) following an amendment to its enabling law, which increased the number of beneficiaries per local government from 150 to 200 and raised the monthly payment from ₦7,000 to ₦10,000. Enrollment for new beneficiaries, targeting 5,200 people across the state, has already commenced. Governor Namadi reiterated that these interventions 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. READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
