2025 UNIDOP: COSROPIN Seeks Legal Framework On Wellbeing Of Older Persons

In a bid to promote social interaction and reduce depression among older persons in the country, the Coalition of Societies for the Rights Of Older Persons In Nigeria, COSROPIN, took about 100 older persons on excursion to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, via the Abuja Metro in the Federal Capital Territory.

The Abuja Metro Ride and Excursion to the Airport was in partnership with the FCT Social Welfare and the National Senior Citizen Centre, NSCC.

Speaking during the event in Abuja, the President of COSROPIN, Senator Eze Ajoku, said the gesture was part of celebrations to mark this year’s United Nations, UN, International Day of Older Persons, UNIDOP.

Senator Ajoku commended the Federal Government for the appointment of Mrs Bolanle Akinyemi Obe as the new Director General for the National Senior Citizen Centre, NSCC, and for its regular payment of pension to retirees in the country.

He therefore called on the federal government to put in place legal framework that would further enhance the wellbeing of older persons nationwide.

Senator Ajoku also used the opportunity to advise older persons to keep hope alive, serve God diligently, and give priority to healthy living towards ensuring a graceful ageing.

Some of the older persons, Mr Alex John, Hajiya Halimat Sani and Dr. James Audu, who were part of the excursion commended COSROPIN for the gesture noting that the event provided them the opportunity to socialize and interact with other older persons as well as giving them a life time experience.

They also appealed to the federal government to put in place free health programmes for the elderly and consider monthly stipends to them as obtainable in some other countries.

Other older persons who spoke on the excursion, described it as a welcomed development.

Some of them, Mrs Hannah Ter, Alhaja Aminat Abdullahi and Engr. Smith Adams, who could not hide their joy urged COSROPIN to sustain the tempo.

Commenting on the Excursion, the Director General, National Senior Citizen Centre, NSCC, Mrs Bolanle Obe equally commended COSROPIN for the laudable event which according to her put smiles on the faces of the beneficiaries.

The Director General who was represented by one of her Special Advisers, Dr. Yewande Olabinjo said the Centre would continue to collaborate with COSROPIN on programmes that would improve the living standard of older persons in the country.

Other activities lined up by COSROPIN to mark this year’s United Nations International Day of Older Persons are golf tournament and football match aimed at promoting regular exercise among the elderly.

Mathew Ayoola, Edited By Grace Namiji