Ondo Begins N20k Monthly Boost for 5,400 Elderly Citizens to LG

In a heartwarming move to cushion the effects of economic hardship, Ondo State has launched a monthly stipend programme for 5,400 elderly residents, offering ₦20,000 each as part of its social welfare initiative across all local government areas.

The programme, spearheaded by the Ondo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, aims to support vulnerable senior citizens who have no steady income or family assistance. It represents a renewed commitment by the state government to uphold dignity and care for the aged population.

Speaking during the official flag-off in Akure, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Amidu Takuro, said the initiative was designed to ensure that elderly citizens live with comfort and respect. “Our elders have served this state in various capacities. It is our moral duty to care for them in their twilight years,” he stated.

Takuro explained that the beneficiaries were carefully selected through community-based verification to ensure transparency and fairness. Each local government is expected to disburse funds directly to verified recipients, with monitoring teams deployed to prevent mismanagement.

“This is not charity; it is social justice,” Takuro emphasized. “We want our elderly citizens to know that they are not forgotten.”

The initiative has drawn praise from residents and advocacy groups, who described it as a humane and timely intervention amid rising living costs. Mrs. Funmilayo Adeyemi, a 72-year-old beneficiary from Owo, expressed gratitude, saying the stipend would help her buy food and medication. “I’ve been struggling since my husband passed. This money means I can eat and sleep without worry,” she said tearfully.

Community leaders have also commended the state’s approach, noting that the programme could serve as a model for other states seeking to strengthen social protection systems. “This is governance with empathy,” remarked Chief Olabode Akinyemi, a traditional leader in Idanre.

Analysts say the initiative aligns with global best practices in social inclusion, where governments prioritize welfare for vulnerable groups. It also reflects Ondo’s broader vision of building a people-centered administration that values compassion alongside development.

Beyond financial relief, the programme is expected to foster community solidarity, as local councils are encouraged to engage youth volunteers in assisting elderly residents with errands and healthcare access.

For many in Ondo, this gesture is more than a policy—it is a message of hope. In a time when inflation and hardship weigh heavily on households, the state’s decision to stand by its elderly citizens underscores the enduring power of empathy in governance.