Cross River Assembly Passes Bill To Establish Senior Citizens Centre.
The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed the Senior Citizens Centre Bill, 2025 into law, marking a major milestone in the state’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of its elderly population.
Initially introduced on 1st August 2023, the bill progressed to its second reading on 10th August before being handed over to the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions, and Conflict Resolution for detailed review.
Presenting the committee’s report, the Chairman and Deputy Leader of the 10th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta (Abi), stressed the importance of the bill. He noted that it is designed to offer relief to senior citizens who can no longer care for themselves.
“The bill seeks to establish a residential centre for elderly individuals who lack the means or support to live independently,” he stated. “Sadly, many aged men and women are seen wandering the streets, having been abandoned or branded as witches and ostracised from their communities. This bill aims to provide them with a safe, supportive environment, complete with access to medical care and recreational facilities.”
Following the bill’s passage, Lead Sponsor and Member representing Yakurr II State Constituency, Hon. Mercy Mbang Akpama, shared her deep sense of satisfaction and fulfilment.
“I feel both happy and fulfilled. Though the bill was introduced before I joined the Assembly, I took it up as a priority,” she said. “Just a few days ago, senior citizens across the country celebrated themselves — those aged 60 and above. It was a beautiful moment. Growing old is a privilege, and those who have served this nation deserve dignity, not neglect.”
Hon. Akpama, the only female lawmaker in the 10th Assembly, thanked the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the Judiciary Committee, and her fellow legislators for their collective support in ensuring the bill’s successful passage. She also expressed confidence that Governor Senator Bassey Otu would sign the bill into law, as it aligns closely with his administration’s people-oriented agenda.
She further noted that the Cross River State Senior Citizens Centre Bill is a domestication of a federal initiative previously passed and signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The proposed centre will function under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Welfare.
The passage of this bill represents a significant step towards securing a future of dignity and care for the elderly in Cross River State.
