Jigawa Govt approves N10,000 monthly stipend for 5,740 elderly citizens
By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
Jigawa State Government, under the leadership of Governor Malam Umar Namadi, has approved a monthly stipend of N10,000 for 5,740 elderly citizens aged 65 and above across the state.
The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab, during her visit to the Birniwa Rehabilitation Centre as part of a ministry familiarization tour.
The stipend, approved during the Executive Council meeting last week, will benefit vulnerable seniors in all 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
Hajiya Abdulwahab commended the administration’s consistent commitment to welfare programs, noting the tremendous impact of the initiative on women, children, and less privileged citizens.
“Governor Malam Umar Namadi has shown unwavering dedication to uplifting the marginalized, especially women and the elderly. This financial assistance will go a long way in improving their living standards,” she said.
The Commissioner also inspected renovation and construction work at the Birniwa Rehabilitation Centre, which aims to improve the living conditions of the centre’s residents.
Expressing satisfaction with the ongoing improvements, Hajiya Abdulwahab encouraged the centre’s management to maintain and monitor the facility’s infrastructure.
“The ministry continues to provide the centre with feeding items, detergents, soups, and other essential goods monthly. We are committed to ensuring that the inmates are well cared for,” she stated.
She also acknowledged the generous contribution of the newly elected Chairman of Birniwa Local Government Council, Hon. Shehu Baba Birniwa, who donated N500,000 to the centre on the day of his inauguration.
She called on the local leadership and wealthy individuals in the area to continue their support for the centre and its residents.
In response, Hon. Shehu Baba Birniwa pledged to further support the centre, including providing a ram weekly for the inmates’ meals.
He also promised to include the centre in the local government’s financial work plan, ensuring long-term improvements in the living conditions of the inmates. “We will continue to prioritize the welfare of the elderly and vulnerable in our community,” he affirmed.
Suleiman Umar, the head of Birniwa Rehabilitation Centre, guided the Commissioner through the centre, highlighting the challenges and progress made in the rehabilitation efforts.
He expressed his gratitude for the support from both the state government and the local council.
