The dream of the wife of the governor of Anambra State, Chief Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano to touch the lives of the young and old people through her pet project, Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFÉ) appears realizable as she has acquired sizeable hectares of land for the establishment of Old People’s Homes in the three Senatorial Districts of the State.
Speaking in an interactive session with pressmen in Awka, Chief (Mrs.) Obiano said that her passion for taking care of the aged over the years exposed her to the realization that what the old people in our society need most is attention and care. According to the governor’s wife, “you would agree with me that the social safety-net imbued by our practice of the extended family system is not as strong as it used to be. Today you find the older folks not getting the necessary attention they deserve because the younger ones are busy struggling to build their own life. Even where it exists, you find out that what the elderly desire most is the company of others. That is one cushion they will get in the proposed Old peoples’ home.”
Mrs. Obiano said that the homes which would be built and managed by CAFÉ would be equipped with all the necessary facilities that make for healthy living. She explained that the plan is to ensure that our senior citizens are protected and cared for, and also ensure that they live the remaining years of their life with dignity. The governor’s wife expressed concern over some of the aged citizens of the State who are now too old to be engaged in rigorous economic activities but also have nobody to take care of their basic needs especially those living in rural communities.
She said: “A lot of people would have liked to take care of their aged parents, but due to prevailing economic conditions of the country, they cannot afford it so that is the reason we decided to set up the Old Peoples Home so as to accommodate these senior citizens. The centre, when completed will be a world class relaxation centre for the old people.
The wife of the governor stated that CAFÉ is not necessarily taking-up more that it can handle but is motivated by the support of philanthropists who donate generously in support of the NGO’s programmes. She revealed that before now CAFÉ in the course its community works, identify and take-up the rebuilding of select dilapidated home of indigent elders where there is clear proof that such persons have no one to assist them.
She restated her commitment to supporting the efforts of her husband the governor through charitable interventions. Said Mrs. Obiano, “What I am doing is not new. It has always been a normal breakfast table discussion in the Obiano household. My husband’s mission in Anambra is to serve the people and I am supporting his administration by adding value through the activities of CAFÉ and hopefully fulfilling my duty to God.”
