Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue on Tuesday donated a Toyota Hilux van, wheelchairs and beds to the Centre for Parental Care of the Old and Vulnerable (CEPACOV) in Makurdi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ortom had visited the home to inspect its facilities for the care of the elderly.
The home was established in 2006 by Lady Theresa Atser as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
Ortom urged wealthy individuals and organisations in the state to always remember the needy, old, vulnerable and especially the senior citizens in the society in such homes.
Further to the donation of items, the governor ordered the State Ministry of Finance to release a monthly allocation of N500,000 as standing impress to the centre for the up keep of the aged.
He also paid for the treatment of one Iurun Tso one of the inmates whose eyes were removed by ritualists who also suffered from hernia and required urgent surgery.
In a welcome address, Atser, the Executive Director of the centre, said it also catered for children and vulnerable people in the state.
She expressed regret that individualism, selfishness and the prevailing poverty in the country had made the living conditions of the elderly very pitiable and deplorable.
“The extended family system in Tiv land is very useful, the old people are well catered for by the younger ones, but this has however changed drastically due to the demands of the society today.
“Family members have little or no time to look after their old ones.
“Also individualism, selfishness and the prevailing poverty in the country has made the living conditions of the elderly very pitiable and deplorable,’’ she said.
According to her, the centre has no fewer than 50 clients placed on monthly stipends and several others staying at the Old People’s Care Home.


She commended individuals and organisations that help in supporting the home financially. (NAN)

http://www.confamgist.com.ng/2016/01/benue-state-governor-gives-van.html