Alex Otti’s big move: Abia’s social contract with senior citizens

Opinion, Politics

OPINION (NPA) — March 7, 2026 —In most countries, senior citizens — those aged 60 and above — are esteemed and accorded special recognition and care by the state. The United Nations, in acknowledgement of their importance, designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons.

In Nigeria, the National Senior Citizens Act, 2017 established the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) to cater to the needs of the elderly and promote social inclusion. The NSCC has since urged state governments to domesticate the Act to safeguard the welfare of senior citizens.

In Abia State, Governor Alex Otti is blazing the trail. Recently, he signed the Senior Citizens Welfare Bill into law, providing free medical care and a monthly stipend for residents aged 60 and above. Law No. 4 of 2025 formally established the Abia State Senior Citizens Centre, a landmark initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for the elderly, ensuring dignity, security, and social protection.

The law sets out a framework for registration, identification, and administration of benefits. Key provisions include free medical care, access to public healthcare facilities, social support, and assistance for vulnerable seniors. Eligibility requires being 60 years or older and an indigene of Abia.

To dispel misconceptions, Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu clarified that the Centre is not a “free money distribution scheme” but a structured welfare system. “This legislation is a deliberate and compassionate response by Otti’s administration to the growing population of elderly persons in Abia and the long-standing absence of a structured, government-backed system dedicated to their care, welfare, and social inclusion,” he said.

Kanu emphasized that the Centre is not a retirement home but a hub for support services, social engagement, recreational activities, and advocacy. It will operate under the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, funded through budgetary allocations, grants, and approved donations. “Law No. 4 of 2025 is a bold and humane policy choice that places Abia among progressive states that recognise ageing as a governance issue and institutionalise care for senior citizens,” he added.

Senior citizens in Abia have welcomed the initiative. Felix Nwadioha commended the governor, saying: “It is not only when you are in service that you are relevant; you are also relevant when you are out of government.” Obike Ukoh praised the programme, noting that it would alleviate challenges faced by the aged: “It is a human approach to help people live longer; not to live a little longer in suffering but to live long in a very healthy living and in comfort.”

Mrs. Eunice Offor described the law as a game-changer: “The monthly stipend, free medical care, and other benefits will go a long way in improving our quality of life. The fact that this law is now a statutory entitlement gives us a sense of security and dignity.”

Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo also applauded Otti, calling the law a landmark initiative that embodies compassion and social responsibility. “I was quite particularly touched by the new law for Senior Citizens in Abia, and I think it is one of those very important issues that we have to address,” he said.

While the governor and the Abia House of Assembly deserve praise, policy analysts stress that the true test lies in the full implementation of this watershed law.