Stakeholders Seek Support For Older Persons, Retirees

By Mathew Ayoola

The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr Kayode Egbetokun has called for adequate welfare and health care packages for the aged and retirees in Nigeria.

He made the call in Abuja during a Public Lecture and Award Ceremony organized by the Foundation For The Care, Support and Advocacy For The Aged and Retirees In Nigeria, FCSAAR.

IGP Egbetokun who was represented by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr Haruna Garba said some aged and retirees still have wealth of knowledge to contribute to national development hence the need to cater for them.

In a remark, a former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Hajiya Binta Bello stressed the need for regular payment of pension to retirees towards making life more meaningful to them.

Hajiya Binta who was the Chairman of the occasion advised aged and retirees to always engage in regular exercise and activities that would ensure a healthy ageing.

In their contributions, a former Director of Performing Arts, National Council for Arts and Culture, NCAC, Mr Sam Agbi and a former Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, FCT Chapter, Comrade Yahaya Abdullahi advised Government at all levels to always be committed to policies and programmes aimed at supporting the aged and retirees in line with the nation’s constitution.

They commended FCSAAR for the annual public presentation and award ceremony which has encourage other stakeholders to contribute to the betterment and welfare of aged and retirees in the country.

Earlier, the Convener and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Foundation For The Care, Support and Advocacy For The Aged And Retirees In Nigeria, FCSAAR, Mr Noah Ataboh said the annual event was to brainstorm on the way forward on the care and welfare of aged and retirees as well as appreciate the well meaning Nigerians who have supported their existence.

Mr Ataboh stated that the vision of the Foundation is to among other things promote socio-cultural-based care where elderly people are actively cared for by members of the Foundation, the family, and the community through care, training, education, and service delivery.

“The objective of them NGO are;
to promote active care of the aged in the society, empowering people for the care of the aged, promoting dignity of the aged, Advocating for the proper care of the aged, institutionalization of the care of the aged, creating forum where the aged and retirees can socialize, interact, share ideas, eliminate boredom and act as repositories and consultant for conflict and problem solving” He explained

According to him, the mission of the Foundation is to reach out to the aged; meeting their health, social and economic needs through the activities of the Foundation.

He called for the establishment of Old People’s Home in the FCT, Recreational Centres, Free Healthcare Services and other facilities that would improve the living conditions of aged and retirees in the country.

Edited By Grace Namiji