By Monday Ogar
The Cross River state Ministry of Social Welfare and Community Development on Thursday joined the rest of the world to commemorate the United Nations International Day of the Elderly in Calabar.
The day was marked with a program organized by the ministry to celebrate the elderly and aged in the state.
Speaking at the program, the First Lady Barr. Mrs. Liyel Imoke said she was raised with the mentality of appreciating and respecting elders and that the elderly are still part of our everyday life.
“It is the consequence of ignorance that people regard old people as dead woods, you are not dead woods but an integral part of our daily living.”
“Let me congratulate you all for today as many didn’t have the opportunity of seeing today. We have great respect for senior citizens and appreciate their presence in our life. Never ever feel the government and the people of Cross River state despise you, do not think your opinion doesn’t count. So stay healthy and do the right thing.” she said.
While delivering his lecture on the theme “Leaving No One Behind: Promoting a Society For All Ages”, Dr. Takun Ashu Ojua told the elderly that “old age is not a function of number but a daily occurrence” as people grow older every day.
In her opening remark, the Cross River state Commissioner for Social Welfare and Community Development, Mrs. Patricia Inyang Endeley said the day is set aside by the United Nations to celebrate the elderly, and since the Governor is interested in the elders it has made the program a key component of his administration.
The program included lectures, comedy, traditional dance and a church service.
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