Elderly, most vulnerable in society—Group

The elderly have been described as the most vulnerable in the society, who need extra care, especially in these times.

This observation was made by a non-government organisation, Initiative for Public Policy Analysis (IPPA), during a conference held recently in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The conference organised by IPPA in collaboration with a Canada-based group, Partnership for Economic  Policy, on welfare interventions in times of recession was aimed at providing social and economic succour to the society, especially the underprivileged.

Speaking at the programme, Principal Researcher of IPPA, Dr. Damilola Olajide, said the choice of Ekiti  State as the venue for the conference was because of the programme introduced by former governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi-led  government tagged: Ekiti Elderly Cash Transfer Scheme.

He described the elderly as very vulnerable in the society, adding that the Ekiti Elderly Cash Transfer Scheme has helped them to live a healthy life and meet their immediate needs.

While commending Governor Ayodele Fayose on the introduction of Stomach Infrastructure, Olajide affirmed that through cash transfer scheme some beneficiaries were able to make contributions, social and religious donations.

According to him, “It was revealed in our findings that the elderly appreciated the scheme and that is why we are interacting with those who benefited from the scheme to share their experience with us while the scheme lasted.”

Also speaking, Dr Fayemi, represented by Mr Jiwa Adegbuyi, described the scheme as one of his eight points agenda, adding that he would continue to be passionate about the welfare and well-being of the elderly and other vulnerable species in the society.

He further said that the scheme was not only limited to the elderly, saying about 10,000 vulnerable youths, were each being paid N10, 000 monthly to keep them out of their restiveness and other social  menace associated with hunger.