…Pledges free healthcare plan for elderly, says salaries, pensions not favours
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, has advocated for language skills for regional trade and called for greater emphasis on language education, particularly French, as he attended the 28th Annual Conference of the National Association of Teachers of Languages in Colleges of Education and Polytechnics, held at the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, Benue State.
This is just as he promised to establish specialised healthcare (geriatric) units for elderly people in hospitals across the state, pledging free basic treatment and minor surgical procedures for senior citizens if elected governor in 2027.
Speaking at the Wannune conference, where he served as the distinguished guest of honour, Chief Aondoakaa encouraged teachers and educational institutions to place greater emphasis on the teaching and learning of foreign languages, particularly French, given Nigeria’s geographical position and its proximity to several French-speaking countries.
He noted that proficiency in languages such as French would help Nigerian students communicate more effectively across borders and take advantage of opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by facilitating smoother regional trade and economic integration.
Chief Aondoakaa also expressed appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continuous support to the state and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, for his role in facilitating the establishment and development of the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, during his tenure as Minister.
He commended the Rector, Dr Tyover Ashinya, and the management of the Polytechnic for what he described as their tireless efforts towards the rapid development of the institution.
Looking ahead to the 2027 governorship election, Chief Aondoakaa said that if elected Governor of Benue State, his administration would be anchored on security, economic growth, job creation, agriculture and rural infrastructure, among other priorities.
He emphasised that his vision is to build a safer, more productive and economically prosperous Benue where education, enterprise and human capital development are given the attention they deserve.
In another development, the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice said the initiative to establish specialised healthcare (geriatric) units for elderly people in hospitals across the state forms part of a broader agenda focused on security, accessible healthcare, pensioners’ welfare and prudent management of public resources.
Speaking in Makurdi, the PDP governorship flagbearer argued that government has a moral and constitutional responsibility to provide care for elderly citizens who have spent their productive years contributing to society.
According to him, the proposed geriatric units would be equipped to provide specialised medical attention in a conducive environment, with elderly patients receiving free basic healthcare services and minor surgical interventions.
“We have a duty to care for our elderly people who are in their late 60s, 70s, 80s and older. Beyond government responsibility, it is part of our African culture to honour and support those who have worked hard and sacrificed for society. They deserve access to quality healthcare and dignity in old age,” Aondoakaa said.
He stated that healthcare and security would rank among the foremost priorities of his administration, stressing that government must guarantee both the safety and well-being of citizens.
“Our healthcare system must be responsive to the needs of ordinary people, especially the vulnerable and the elderly. At the same time, government must take seriously its responsibility to protect lives and property because security is the foundation of development,” he stated.
On livestock management and the recurring debate over ranching, Chief Aondoakaa maintained that ranching is fundamentally a private business venture and should not be driven by government.
“Ranching is a private enterprise. Government’s role is to create an enabling environment, not to take over the business itself”, he said.
The PDP candidate also criticised the continued hardship faced by many retired civil servants, expressing concern over the non-payment of pensions and gratuities, despite what he described as the substantial financial resources available to the present administration in the state.
He argued that workers who dedicated decades of service to the state should not be subjected to uncertainty and deprivation after retirement.
“Those who spent their productive years serving the state should not be abandoned in retirement. Pensioners are entitled to their benefits and should be treated with dignity and respect”, he said.
Aondoakaa maintained that the payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities should not be presented as an accomplishment by government, insisting that such obligations are fundamental responsibilities of public administration.
“Salaries and pensions are not favours. They are obligations arising from the relationship between government and its workers. Fulfilling those obligations should be routine and not something that is celebrated as an extraordinary achievement,” he added.
