Welfare Of Older Persons Must Be Prioritized – New NSCC Boss

The newly appointed Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre NSCC, Mrs. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, has pledged to champion the welfare of older persons by promoting dignity in retirement, improving access to quality healthcare, and integrating senior citizens into the nation’s development agenda.

Speaking during her assumption of office at the NSCC headquarters in Abuja, Mrs. Akinyemi-Obe emphasized the importance of giving older citizens a stronger voice in governance and policy-making.

She expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, stating that her leadership would align with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to build a compassionate and inclusive society where no one especially senior citizens who have contributed significantly to national development is left behind.

“We are not starting from scratch. We are building on a foundation of dedication and excellence.”

She also described the NSCC staff as “the engine of progress,” pledging to enhance workplace conditions, staff welfare, and cultivate a culture of innovation.

“A safety net of care, respect, and opportunity for our elders.You are not forgotten. You are not a burden. You are the living libraries of our nation, the guardians of our values, the beacons of resilience.”she added.

Earlier, in her remarks, the outgoing Director General, Dr. Emem Omokaro, while reflecting on her impactful four-year tenure, highlighted key achievements, including the development of Nigeria’s first comprehensive ageing policy, amongst others.

“It was four years of pioneering initiatives and transformative partnerships, all aimed at enhancing the well-being and dignity of older persons across the country,” ….

“We proved, with evidence, that older persons are still capable and contributing,” she affirmed.

Dr. Omokaro expressed confidence that her successor would consolidate on the foundation laid and continue the transformation of older persons’ welfare in the country.

Highlight of the event was an interactive session involving both the outgoing and incoming Directors General and participants from the ongoing NSCC-NBTE training program for Quality Assurance Assessors in Geriatric Social Care

Nkiruka Okeke, Edited By Grace Namiji