The Vice Chairman of Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area of Bayelsa State, Brian Wotari, has said that the appointment of 118-year-old, Mrs Omonigbalebo Dani Orogono, as the special adviser on elderly matters is to show solidarity with the elderly people in the area.

Ebinimi Abiama, a consultant with the local council, Mr Ebinimi Abiama, told journalists yesterday that the appointee was not meant to work, but to demonstrate the council’s willingness to carry elderly people along.

He said: “She wasn’t appointed so that she could do the adviser’s work per se.

“But just as a solidarity to carry the elderly people along. It is an honorary appointment. She is the oldest woman in the local government area and at her age, the pay she gets as an adviser is something to keep her going.

“The vice-chairman also intends to upgrade the living standard of the woman, as, amongst others, her house will be renovated,” he said.

In an appointment letter signed by Bedford Ineye, Personal Assistant to the Vice Chairman and obtained by Niger Delta Trust, Mrs Orogono, is to advise the vice chairman on the issues concerning the elderly and their welfare.

She was offered a provisional appointment letter on the February, 4, 2020 and the appointment took immediate effect.