As part of measures to reduce social isolation among older persons in the country, the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons In Nigeria, COSROPIN, has organized a hangout for them in the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking during the hangout in Abuja, the President of COSROPIN, Senator Eze Ajoku, expressed concern over tremendous social isolation, neglect, deprivation, abuse and limited or lack of access to resources being faced by older persons in the country hence the need for the hangout.
Senator Ajoku said the hangout which would be held in twenty locations was to among other things ensure social interaction, networking, fun activities and peer sharing among the older persons that would be taking part in the hangout.
“As we reflect on our efforts, I am proud to report that we have exceeded our expectations in many regards and across the twenty locations across eighteen States of the Federation from January, 2024 to June, 2024 and we hope to see remarkable improvement in the physical and mental health of participants” he stated .
According to him, the hangout will equally help them to avoid issues of depression, loneliness, fatigue, and loss of brain function.
“We started it ourselves and also submitted it to the African Caribbean Heritage Alliance, ACHA, on funding the programme they were working on with VOICE OXFAM and fortunately for us we came second on the grading of activities over one hundred NGOs submitted to them on their flagship programme NOW-US-AWARD to seek the inclusion of marginalized indigenous older persons” Dr. AJoku explained.
While commending the Voice of Netherlands for sponsoring the hangout programme, Senator Ajoku called for the establishment of Daycare Centres for Older Persons in the country.
In his words “the objectives of the NOW US AWARD – Nothing About Us Without Us, VOICE funded Older Persons’ Hangout is to enhance the dignity, rights and happy ageing of the diverse groups of indigenous and native people across the six geopolitical zones of the country and the hangout activity will bring them together to facilitate their engagements in various healthy living activities and networking through the support of Professional Health Care Workers, Caregivers and Volunteers”.
“Finally, as we look to the future, let us remain committed to the principles and strive to create environments where they can thrive and flourish and together, we can build a society that values and respects individuals of all ages”, the President of COSROPIN added.
Some of the participants, Dr Chimezie Nwizu and Mr Ebhodache Jonathan who are both above eighty years commended COSROPIN for the hangout and stressed the need for the Federal, State and Local Governments to be committed to programmes that would improve the wellbeing of older persons in the country.
Highlights of the hangout programme were health talks, medical check-up, exercise, games among others.
Mathew Ayoola Edited By Grace Namiji
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