The Edo State Government has lauded the contribution of pensioners to the growth and development of the state, noting that the sacrifices of the elderly in building the nation will never be forgotten.

In a message to pensioners to commemorate the day, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs, Ifueko Alufohai, said, “On behalf of His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, we celebrate you as the nation marks its first National Day for Senior Citizens. We appreciate you for your contributions to the growth of the nation and the State while in active service.”

The state government has over the years prioritized the welfare of pensioners, ensuring the clearing of the backlog of pension arrears and sustaining regular payment of pensions as and when due.

The government said part of the programme to mark the day include visits to elderly person’s homes across the state even as the state reached out to 10,402 pensioners in the state.

She said the theme for the celebration, “Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World’ is apt as it captures the changing realities that have come to define the experience of older persons in the age of technology and digitization.”