MacIver Empowers 100 Elderly Women in Ikebiri Communities (Ikebiri 1, 2 and Opuadino) with ₦30,000 each

…Says gesture is non-political, non-religious, and strictly based on merit

Demonstrating a deeply rooted commitment to grassroots empowerment and humanitarian service, renowned philanthropist and community advocate, Great Joshua MacIver, has extended financial support to 100 elderly women across the Ikebiri communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Under the aegis of the Izontukpa Cares Initiative, a homegrown social welfare programme dedicated to assisting vulnerable groups, each of the beneficiaries received the sum of ₦30,000. The stipend is designed to be disbursed to beneficiaries on a monthly basis, ensuring continuous support for their basic welfare needs.

The disbursement exercise commenced at Opuadino, where the first set of 10 beneficiaries received their stipends in a modest but emotionally-charged gathering attended by community members and observers. The full distribution covered 70 elderly women from Ikebiri 1, 20 from Ikebiri 2, and 10 from Opuadino.

Speaking on behalf of Mr. MacIver, his Chief of Staff, Mr. Timi Igoli, reiterated that the selection process was conducted with integrity, transparency, and a firm commitment to merit.

“This initiative is not about APC, PDP, or any political party.

It is not influenced by religion or family ties. It is about our mothers, women who have contributed to the growth of this land and now deserve our care and support in their later years," Igoli declared.

He emphasized that the gesture was not linked to any political ambition or campaign motive but was simply a fulfilled promise made by Mr. MacIver.

“We are not asking for votes. All we ask is for their prayers for Joshua’s continued strength, good health, and the opportunity to do even more for his people," he added.

Mr. Igoli further assured that the Izontukpa Cares scheme is not a one-off intervention but part of a broader, sustained effort to reach other vulnerable groups across the state in the months ahead.

Describing MacIver as “a true son of the soil whose heart beats for his people”, Igoli noted that the initiative reflects a deep sense of duty to the elderly population(women)in the community. 

The transparency and sincerity of the exercise earned widespread praise from local leaders and community members, many of whom commended Mr. MacIver for delivering a genuine, need-based support without political coloration.

The recipients noted that the initiative sets a commendable precedent for community-based philanthropy in Bayelsa State, especially at a time when many elderly citizens continue to suffer neglect.