By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – A Non-governmental Organization (NGO), under the aegis of Heavenly Elderly Charity Arena (HECHARENA), at the weekend gifted over 300 elderly women and widows with cash to cushion the harsh economic realities currently faced in the country.
The gesture was made during the grand opening of HECHARENA in Awka, Anambra State, an NGO that has been in existence since 2021.
“We chose to officially launch HECHARENA in 2024 so that the world will know what we are doing and be part of it”, the founder, Chief Lady Vera Ikokwu, said during a summit held to herald the official birth of the NGO.
With the Theme: Ageing with Dignity, the Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for the Elderly in Nigeria, a guest speaker at the event, Prince Chinedu Nsoffor, a Professor of Naturecracy Philosophy, tasked the public to go back to the African culture of respecting and caring for the elderly, which he explained was a family norm practiced by Africans.
Earlier, the founder, who also goes by an Igbo title, ‘Osinigwe Oraifite, Ezenwayi of Okija’, meaning (someone from heaven and a good woman), recounted her journey of caring for the elderly, which began in 2021 as a mandate instructed by God, she said.
“Over the years, free medical outreaches, hospital bills, food donations and numerous gestures have been extended to the vulnerable and elderly in the society”, she explained.
HECHARENA, however, promised to sustain the philanthropic movement, pledging to ensure that the elderly are not left alone and unattended after nurturing the society and future leaders.
Our correspondent observed that Nigeria’s population is ageing rapidly, with an estimated 3.8 million people aged 65 and above with limited social security.
The country’s social security system is inadequate, leaving many elderly individuals without a financial safety net, as the healthcare system in the country is also often inaccessible or unaffordable for the elderly, exacerbating health issues, our correspondent informed.
HECHARENA consequently, promised to take up these challenges by promoting the dignity and independence of the elderly.
“Supporting the elderly enables them to maintain their dignity and independence as well as reduce their risk of social isolation and depression.
“We shall continue to address their health disparities and improve their general wellbeing”, Ikokwu said while interacting with our correspondent.
