Pensioners in Abia State have urged Governor Alex Otti to urgently assent to the law for the establishment of a Senior Citizens’ Centre in the state.
The pensioners spoke to LEADERSHIP Weekend yesterday in response to the passage of HAB 4: Abia Senior Citizens’ Bill 2025 by the House of Assembly in Umuahia, the state capital.
Comrades Jefferson Imo, Ihenyirimadu Kanu, Helen Nnabugwu, Ukachuwu Okoro, who described the law as very apt and thoughtful of the House, noted the importance of the centre.
“With the establishment of the centre, the old citizens would have a venue, where they could once awhile come together to relax, reflect, exchange ideas, and if possible play some games,” said Okoro.
Similarly, Nnabugwu, a retired nurse, noted that pensioners challenges are not always about money, but the need to have a forum to meet, enjoy jokes, and even throw banters at each other.
Speaking also, Nathan Ibe, who argued that the establishment of the centre would go a long way to improved the pensioners’ quality of lives, added that “it will be another feather on Otti’s cap”.
In a comment, the chairman of the House Committee on Environment and Urban Renewal and the member for Ohafia South constituency, Kalu Nwoke, described the Law as novel and farsighted.
The Executive Bill, which was presented by the majority leader of the House, Uchenna Kalu of Arochukwu constituency, was passed after scaling through the third reading on the floor of the House.
The speaker of the House, Emmanuel Emeruwa, while announcing the passage of the Bill, commended the members for their contributions toward its passage.
“When assented to by the governor, the Law will be said to have come into force on the 3rd day of April 2025,” the speaker said.
