By Emma Akpabio
At a time when life expectancy in Nigeria remains relatively low and access to structured elderly care is limited, Governor Umo Eno is charting a new course in elders’ welfare with the completion of the ultra-modern ARISE Senior Citizens Centre, a defining milestone in social welfare that underscores his administration’s deep commitment to the wellbeing, dignity, and active living of elderly citizens.
Handled by indigenous construction giant, U & K Engineering Limited, the purpose-built facility caters specifically to senior citizens aged 65 and above. It represents a bold and compassionate shift in how ageing is supported in the state.
More than just a recreational space, the ARISE Senior Citizens Centre integrates healthcare, wellness, enterprise, leisure, and spiritual support within a serene and secure environment in Uyo.
Located along the Uyo - Ikot Ekpene Road within the emerging ARISE Medical Corridor, the centre is designed as a daytime wellness hub where elderly residents can access personalised healthcare services, relaxation lounges, recreational activities, games, and counselling support tailored to their unique needs.
From the welcoming reception area to its carefully curated activity spaces, the centre reflects thoughtful planning anchored in dignity and inclusion. Dedicated sections for parlour games and social interaction encourage bonding and peer engagement, helping to reduce loneliness while fostering a vibrant community life among older persons.
At the heart of the complex is a fully equipped primary healthcare unit, complete with consulting rooms, male and female observation wards, a laboratory, pharmacy, nurses’ office, and laundry services. The health wing is structured to ensure routine medical monitoring, early detection of health concerns, and sustained preventive care, a critical pillar of healthy ageing.
Beyond healthcare delivery, the centre promotes creativity and economic participation. A well-stocked supermarket provides convenience, while an arts and crafts gallery doubles as a mentoring and skills acquisition hub. Here, senior citizens can rediscover their talents, transfer knowledge to younger generations, and remain socially and economically engaged.
Lifestyle and physical wellbeing are equally prioritised. The facility features a fine-dining restaurant, a lounge and bar for relaxation, and a modern gymnasium supported by a fitness trainer who guides age-appropriate exercise programmes aimed at improving mobility, strength, and cardiovascular health.
Recognising the importance of emotional and spiritual balance, the centre also houses a multipurpose hall that doubles as a chapel, alongside private counselling cubicles dedicated to mental health and personal support services. Administrative offices ensure seamless coordination of programmes, while a well-resourced library provides a quiet space for reading, reflection, and lifelong learning.
Speaking during the March edition of the Government House Monthly Covenant Service, Governor Eno described the project as a defining expression of his administration’s commitment to social inclusion and structured care for the elderly.
Ahead of the centre’s inauguration scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026, by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, the Government House Research and Documentation Team, led by Dr Essien Ndueso, was taken on a guided tour by the Project’s Delivery Advisor, Dr Ita Anwana. During the visit, several youths were observed actively installing furniture and fittings, reflecting the final stages of preparation and the administration’s inclusive approach to project execution.
By bringing healthcare, recreation, spirituality, enterprise, and social protection under one roof, Governor Eno’s administration is deliberately reshaping the narrative of ageing in Akwa Ibom, shifting the focus from vulnerability to vitality and setting a new standard for elderly care in Nigeria.



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