The Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has called for stronger protection and inclusion of elderly persons, urging society to eliminate all forms of abuse, neglect, discrimination, and exploitation against senior citizens.
Soludo made the call on Monday in a message commemorating the 2026 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed annually on June 15 to highlight elder abuse as a critical human rights issue and a growing concern in ageing societies.
She noted that the day serves as an opportunity to reaffirm collective commitment to safeguarding the dignity, rights, and well-being of older persons.
According to her, elderly men and women remain custodians of society’s wisdom, culture, and values, and deserve to live with respect, care, and security.
“Our elderly men and women are custodians of wisdom, culture and values. They deserve to age with respect, care and security, free from neglect, discrimination, exploitation or any form of abuse,” she said.
Soludo urged families, communities, and institutions to foster environments where older persons feel valued, heard, and protected.
She emphasized that the way a society treats its elderly reflects its level of humanity and compassion.
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“Let us use this day as a reminder that how we treat our elders reflects the strength of our humanity. Together, let us champion kindness, inclusion, and support for our senior citizens, ensuring they enjoy the dignity and quality of life they truly deserve,” she added.
The governor’s wife reiterated the importance of collective action in promoting policies and practices that guarantee the welfare of elderly persons, stressing the need to build a society where they can live with dignity and fulfilment.
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