*As World marks Intl Old Peoples Day*
The elderly in Imo State were celebrated and honoured recently by a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), OffThe Hook Foundation for Rural Dwellers during this year’s International Old Peoples Day held at Chokoneze Sports Arena in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.
Speaking during the occasion, founder of the Foundation, Ugoeze (Lady) Chigbo Nwamara thanked all that assisted the foundation in one way or the other towards making the celebration a memorable one for the aged.
She revealed that the Foundation is planning to build an Old People’s home, where the old persons can be kept and given adequate care, adding that the celebration will be better by next year.
Giving a talk to the elderly, the Vicar of St Paul’s Anglican Church, Chokoneze, Venerable Ozioma Nwaogazi said the scripture is clear that anyone that clocks above 70 years is living by the special grace of God.
He urged them to live and stand by the truth at all times, saying that at above 70 years, they have no reason to do things that are despicable and wicked before the Lord and urged such a person to have a turnaround and live right before God.
HRH Eze Reginald Aguwamba of Okpofe autonomous community in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, expressed gratitude to OffThe Hook Foundation for deeming it very necessary to always celebrate the old people every year.
He flayed the nonchalant attitude of the government and politicians in Nigeria on the issue of celebrating with the old people during their day, saying that partisan political mattes have distracted and engaged them.
Eze Aguwamba admonished the senior citizens to age gracefully and do positive things within their abilities and not just to live like Methuselah. He called for the inclusion of both the old and youths in next year’s celebration.
Speaking at the event, Ichie Titus Ibe , urged old people to always play their rightful roles in directing the youths well.
He equally commended HRH Eze Mike and Ugoeze Chigbo Nwamara for their efforts.
Nze and Lolo Robert .U. Anyanwu in their speeches lauded the royal couple for their efforts in carrying the rural dwellers along in the society.
Nze Anyanwu said they came to support the foundation and will inform Nigerians in the United States of America what HRH Eze Nwamara and his Ugoeze are doing in Nigeria.
On her part, Lolo Anyanwu expressed happiness that they came for the occasion and prayed God for the blessing of old age.
In a vote of thanks, HRH Eze Mike Nwamara of Umuchoko-Chokoneze autonomous community thanked all that graced the event for their time especially all those that helped in one way or the other towards making the International Old Peoples Day a huge success.
He promised that the celebration will be better in 2019 and also urged the old people to let their children know and lend their support towards the celebration of the event by next year.
The 2018 International Old Peoples Day with the theme: ‘Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions’ featured presentation of awards to some old people. Mrs Margret Ezebuiro was decorated as oldest woman that graced the event, Mr John Ihechere, decorated as oldest man at the occasion while Pa Benard Onuoha Isiokwu won the ‘Old Person’ award for 2018.
Each of the award recipients was given a bag of rice and cash gift of N5,000 by the Foundation.
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