Former Banker, Sarah Anaba Calls On Govt Not To Forget The Indigent Elderly

A Senior Citizen and a retiree of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Chief Mrs. Sarah Anaba has made case for the Elderly, urging the Governments at various levels to put them in the priority list.

Mrs. Anaba made the call recently shortly after addressing indigent widows at Amato Primary School Hall, Mgboko Obete in Amato Mgboko Autonomous Community, Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.

She attributed her worries to the pitiable condition of the aged whom she said live below poverty line, wandering what becomes of them in the months ahead.

The elderly widows being taught how to make liquid soap and other skills by Sanab Care

“I retired from the CBN. In my days of visits to communities during my field work, I saw the degrading standard of living among the aged. Some of them live in penury. Some of them either do not have children while some who have children who are still struggling find it difficult to have two square meal.

“Some of them who have children who are well-to-do also lack care because those caring for them know nothing about caregiving for the old because they are not trained.

Chief Mrs Sarah Anaba speaking to the cross section of the elderly widows at Amato

“Today, I have just addressed the indigent aged widows who are struggling with their fragile body to eke out a living. It is important at this time for Government to intervene.

“People like us are ready to help. I have a foundation, which cares for the indigent elderly but our resources are just meagre. Every year, through our SANAB Foundation, we move around, visiting the poorest and most fragile among them. Those of you in the media should help us. I use my pension to do the much I could”, she concluded.

Meanwhile, Mrs Sarah Anaba who held the interaction with the indigent elderly in collaboration with Elder Sunday Ufomba, the Coordinator of Widows Forum Foundation, said she is ready to deploy the well equipped personnel in partnership with government or any donor to make life better for the elderly.

The high point of the interaction was empowerment through skill acquisition. The elderly widows were taught how to make liquid soap and custard.