A Non-governmental Organization (NGO), Women of Faith Foundation in collaboration with Mater Misere Cordia Care Foundation, on Saturday donated wrappers, Vaseline, washing soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, abonike and detergents to older women in Makurdi as part of their activities marking the celebration of the International Day of Older Persons.
In a welcome address, organizer of the Programe, Barrister Awashima Addingi, said the main mandate of the foundation is to help the less privileged and they have been carrying out the mandate since the year 2012.
Programme Manager, Dorcas Chia explained that the United Nations has set aside October 1st as International Day of older women to be celebrated hence the decision of the Mother of Faith Foundation to organize the event themed “the resilience and contributions of Older Women” in their honour
She urged people to take care of old women, noting that the women have contributed immensely to the development of society.
Speaking on mental health, Head of Clinical Psychology, Federal Medical Center Makurdi, Dr Ngosoo Perpetual Chia, stressed the need to take good care of older women so that they will be mentally healthy to be able to contribute to the development of society and live longer.
She advised that people can take care of of der parents by visiting them, involving them in decision making, calling them on phone and providing their basic needs in order to reduce depression and chances of contracting stroke as well as hypertension.
In a goodwill message, Chairman of the Nigeria Psychological Association (NPA), Dr Shimakaa Iorlumun, assured that NPA will partner with the Mother of Faith Foundation by taking care of the psychological health of older women free of charge. He extended NPA’s hands of fellowship and partnership to the foundation and informed its members to call on NPA anytime and they will respond even at the shortest notice.
Dr Iorlumun called on the Government to meet its financial obligations which he called “tangible social support” for retirees so that the mental health of older women who are no longer active in service would be improved. He also solicited public spirited individuals to support organisations that are taking care of the aged.
A Nurse at the Federal Medical Center Makurdi, Mrs Grace Achodo who spoke on Good Health, acknowledged that older women still give services to society even in their old age by going to farm and selling things in markets with little energy that remains in them hence they should be honoured.
She enlightened them on ways of preventing Stroke and disclosed that even those who are already suffering from stroke would be assisted by the Association of Life After Stroke which helps to prevent and treat Stroke.
In separate remarks, Barr Mrs Ihechi Olarenwaju from Action Group Against Gender Based Violence and Mrs Pretty Waya, a member of Women of Faith Foundation commended the organizers of the programme for showing love and care towards older women so that they would not feel rejected.
Responding on behalf of the older women, Mama Mbanan Abu who appreciated the foundation for the humanitarian gesture called on children not to leave their aged parents alone but show them love and care so that will make them happy.
Highlight was the diagnosis of people for Sugar level, Diabetes, Blood Pressure and Stroke.
