By Ibrahim Muhammad
The First Lady of Jigawa State, Hajiya Hadiza Umar A. Namadi, on Tuesday distributed ₦50 million to 250 elderly men and women across the state, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to the welfare, dignity and wellbeing of senior citizens.
The disbursement, which marked the third phase of the state’s elderly support programme, saw each beneficiary receive ₦200,000 as direct financial assistance aimed at easing daily challenges and improving their quality of life.
Speaking at the event, Hajiya Hadiza Namadi described the initiative as both a moral obligation and a social responsibility, stressing the high regard accorded to the elderly in Islam. She drew references from the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), noting that caring for parents and senior citizens is a sacred duty that attracts divine reward.
She urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds to meet essential needs and reduce hardship, adding that the intervention represents more than financial support, but also respect, gratitude and recognition of the elderly for their lifelong sacrifices.
The First Lady said the programme was inspired by the compassion-driven vision of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose advocacy for social welfare has continued to shape people-oriented initiatives nationwide.
According to her, the initiative reflects the philosophy of the Jigawa State Government that the strength of any society lies in how it treats its most vulnerable members.
“Our elderly parents are custodians of wisdom, resilience and experience,” she said. “Their contributions to building our communities and raising future generations are invaluable, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they live in dignity and comfort.”
The event was attended by key stakeholders, partners and other dignitaries, underscoring widespread support for inclusive governance and social protection programmes in the state.
With the latest disbursement, the Jigawa State Government, through the Office of the First Lady, has further demonstrated its resolve to entrench compassion as a core value of governance, ensuring that elderly citizens are supported, protected and honoured.
