
By Peter Mary Nwasike
Indigent elders in Anambra State who are not affluent enough to maintain a decent livelihood in old age, thus wallowing in penury and deprivation, have been given hope to enjoy the rest of their days in happiness.
This beacon of hope was shown to them when a Charity Organization, known as Heavenly Elderly Charity Arena Foundation (HECHARANA) was inaugurated for charity work in Anambra State.
The occasion was held at Hilton Leisure Hotel, Awka, Anambra State, on Friday, December 6.
The founder of the organization, Chief (Mrs.) Veronica Ulunwa Ikokwu, an America based business woman, who has the virtues of sensitivity, compassion, humanitarianism and magnanimity, brought the charity organization into Anambra State and resolved to replicate the charity found in its counterparts in America where she studied and majored in such projects, in her academic adventure.
In her address of welcome, Mrs. Ikokwu said: ‘This is not just the beginning of an organization but a beacon of hope and advocacy for our elderly citizens. Today, we celebrate not just the launch of an organization, but the promise it holds to transform the lives of the elderly in our communities.’
Chief Mrs Ikokwu enumerated the predicaments of the indigent elderly to include lack of attention by relatives; scanty feeding with unpalatable foods; lack of medical care when sick, especially those who have chronic sicknesses consequent upon old age; loneliness from isolation due to snubbing from society; lack of means of mobility when needed; lack of recreational facilities; among others.
Continuing, the philanthropist and humanitarian benefactor of the elderly and vulnerable people, said: ‘To achieve these goals, HECHARENA calls for collective action.
‘A cornerstone of our advocacy is the push for free healthcare for the elderly. Access to medical treatment is a fundamental human right, not a privilege reserved for the affluent. We urge governments, organizations and individuals to join hands in this cause, ensuring that no elder is denied care due to financial barriers. Together, we can create a health care system that truly serves and protects the most vulnerable among us.’
Recognizing the fact that the project is capital intensive and requires collaboration from far and near, the benefactor said that HECHARENA also sought to access global knowledge and practices in what she called Gerithric care.
‘Across the world, there are innovative approaches that have successfully addressed the needs of older adults by collaborating with international experts, international bodies like the United Nations Organisation (UNO), and World Health Organization (WHO), adapting global insights, and localizing these solutions. We aim to provide care that meets the highest standards. The challenges faced by the elderly transcend borders and HECHARENA will ensure that the solutions we implement are informed and sustainable,’ Mrs Ikokwu said.
The Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Dr. Chris Muolokwu, commended Mrs. Ikokwu for introducing a humanitarian system of caring for the elderly from America, noting that it was worthy of emulation and adoption. He called for government’s support, especially, with the allocation of land for the project.
The Executive Director of the organization. Hon. Prince Victor Udeh-Ubaka, expressed gratitude to the dignitaries who graced the occasion and equally expressed support for what he described as a noble cause.
He said that with the availability of the project in Anambra State, indigent elders would not age sorrowfully and die in frustration because a caring and concerned organization had come to make their last days on earth, pleasurable.