Support
By Chinenye Offor
Abuja , April 29, 2018 (NAN) A Philanthropist and Chairman of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, Prince Arthur Eze, has urged the Federal Government to give social support to the older persons in the society to combat old age-related challenges.
Eze gave the advice while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview in Abuja on Sunday.
He noted that elderly persons in Nigeria could face multiple challenges in maintaining their psychosocial health status.
He listed these challenges as changes in family dynamics; increased demand for healthcare services; increased economic stress; and decreased functional independence.
Eze explained that it was regrettable that the nation did not have a system where the older persons would be re-engaged ,hence advocated for social protection for them in order to help them to live longer.
He said that older persons needed government’s support because of failing family structure that existed in the society.
Eze, who is also a politician, said it was imperative for the young adults to be fully engaged, adding that it would help in planning for their future.
The philanthropist has been engaging in the care of the elderly, widows as well as vulnerable citizens.
“The Vulnerable citizens need help as well as support from government, stakeholders and caregivers.
“You must help people,that is why God created and gave us power and resources in order to help others and lift up the weak and vulnerable, when necessary.
“When people get old, they become weak and it is the duty of the privileged citizens to support them,” he said.
Eze, however, enjoined elderly people and youths to abstain from smoking , excessive alcohol consumption as well as illicit sexual practice in order to have a healthy living. (NAN)
CSO/MS/AMY
Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf