Ubong Sampson – Uyo
A group in Akwa Ibom known as the Akwa Ibom Elderly Citizens Assembly (AKECA) has taken an advocacy move to cause an end to high costs of funeral and marriage rites in the state.
During a courtesy visit on the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs who also is the Okuibom Ibibio (Supreme Leader of Ibibio Land) and primarily, the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, President of the group, Obong Ememobong Essien said the group’s concern over burdening costs of these rites had prompted the advocacy move towards the reduction in marriage requirements as well as ending exorbitant costs of funeral rites in the state.
While hoping that the state legislature will consider playing a role to advance the course by enacting a law to that effect, Essien further made a case for the health and other social needs of the elderly citizens, suggesting that the provision of such needs should have specific designs for the aged.
Obong Essien also hinted that the group had completed designs for the construction of a multipurpose elderly citizens centre, adding that the building, when completed, will be use for regular contact and social activities by members of AKECA.
Briefing the Okuibom Ibibio on the objectives and programmes of AKECA, he explained that over the years, AKECA has asserted its presence as a pioneer group committed to catering for the welfare of the elderly citizens within and outside the state.
“We have mobilised over 300 elderly people to AKECA as members, our impact is felt nationwide because we have attracted the attention of other bodies established for the care of the elderly”, Obong Essien further hinted.
In his response, the Okuibom Ibibio said elderly citizens were embodiment of experience and knowledge. He noted that AKECA has a responsibility to be at the forefront of youth mentorship and transfer of good morals to the younger generation for the benefit of the society.
The Royal Father said as wise and enlightened people, our elderly citizens cannot afford to continue to be backbenchers anymore when the society can always tap from their wise counsels.
The Monarch further commended the leadership of the group for pulling together senior citizens of the state for the purpose of contributing to the development of the state despite the challenges that comes with old age.