A Legal Luminary in RIvers State and Port Harcourt High Court Judge, Hon. Justice Florence Feberesima has stressed the need for the establishment of support system by the various levels of government in order to cater and take care of the elderly in the society, especially those who are 60 years and above.
Hon. Justice Feberesima made the assertion, while delivering a lecture, Titled, ” Coping Mechanism’ at a One- Day program organized by the Gateway international church, Port Harcourt, with the Theme of the program,” Grateful Living ” held at the Gateway International Church Church, Alter of Mercy Ground, Elioparanwo, port Harcourt.
Justice Feberesima wondered why there has not been any legislation by the National Assembly to establish what she referred to as Home for the Elderly whose primary concern should be centered on the welfare of the elderly in the society.
According to the legal icon, the Elderly men and women in the society who are 69 years and above are legally entitled to all their rights.
On the abuse of abuse of the elderly, the Rivers High Court regrets that no official report has been made on how elders are abused in the various communities and villages, pointing out that there is need to protect the elderly from all forms of abuses, including financial abuse, psychological abuse and sexual abuses, particularly the aged women.
She used the opportunity to call on governments, Non Governmental organizations( NGOs) and institutes to provide medicals for the elderly and support them financially in order to extend their life spern.
In his Lecture, Titled, ” Nutrition,” a Consultant at Care for the elderly people, University of Port Harcourt,Dr. Abiodun Chukwuemeka. Olusola, harped on healthy diets for the elderly, pointing out that engaging on physical activities and regular exercises can improve their longevity.
Speaking on life after 60 years, a retired Professor at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof.A. W. Obianime , said that life after 60 is a reflection of years of activities, successes, achievements and failures, noting that it is a period of think back and compare how far so far in life.
Prof. Obianime opined that at 60 and above, one need to be closer to God and begin to leave a life to be remembered for.
Earlier in a welcome speech,Dr Pastor Mrs Onyije Ebere said that the essence of the program for the elderly is to reach out to the elderly who in one way or the other are abandoned in the society.
Dr Ebere who is also the Pastor in charge of community impact of Gateway International Church said that the church decided to honour the elderly, advise them as well as provide them with medicals.
She opined that the program for the elderly organized by gateway international church with the approval by the Lead Pastor is yearly event, targeting the catchment areas of gateway international church, especially, residence at Rumuolumeni, community, Ogbogoro, Egbelu,St. John axis, Mgbuakara, Mgbuoshimini amongst others, adding that this year’s gateway international church elders program recorded over 1,0000 elders in attendance.
Meanwhile, Leader Pastor, Gateway International Church, Pastor George Izunwa advised the elders to be joyful in their old age and draw closer to God to receive the blessings of God.
Highpoint of the program was dancing competition among the elders, and presentation of Gift items and cash to the elders from 92 to 100 years of age by the Lead Pastor George Izunwa.