Bayelsa First Lady, Gloria Diri Presents Christmas Gift to Elderly Persons

The First Lady of Bayelsa State, Dr. Mrs. Gloria Diri on Sunday hosted the elderly, aged seventy and above to a reception at the Banquet hall in Government House yenagoa.

Dr. Mrs. Diri who reaffirmed her resolve to cater for the elderly,particularly those without care and support said the elderly are important like every other person in the society and should be accorded regard,respect despite their frail and weak state.

According to her,the elderly were once very vibrant in their heydays and have fully contributed their quota to building homes,communities and society.

She lamented that at a time when they have exhausted their strength and requires support from family and Society many of them have been neglected and abandoned by their own.

She called for a change of attitude towards the treatment of the elderly right in society by the provision of the enabling environment,care and support when and where necessary.

In her words “Those who need help financially,medical care, physical and emotional support will receive same in this prosperity Government.

The payment of Pension and Gratituity by the Prosperity Government led by Senator Douye Diri is on course and will continue because it is a pledge made by the administration to God first and for the good of Bayelsa”.

She stated that as the Christmas celebration belln rings,the elderly should not lack or go hungry hence the distribution of food items such as rice,noddles and accompanying ingredients,cash and clothing for the elderly.

Over one hundred elderly persons from across the Eight Local Government areas of the State benefitted from the humanitarian gesture of the First Lady.

In a reciprocal move,the elderly offered prayers for the First Lady and the success of the prosperity government.

Present at the event were the Commissioner Women,Children Affairs and Social Development,Hon.Faith Opene,Special Advisers to the Governor on Poverty Alleviation, Women in Politics and Health Hon.Eunice Akene, Hon. Josephine Ekeuwei, Mrs. Pasissei Ikiomoton.

Others are member Board of Trustee PDP Mrs Remi Kuku, State PDP Women leader Hon.Christie Ebbeli, wife of the Chief of Staff Government House, Mrs Regina Benson Agadaga and other top government functionaries.