UNIDOP : Retired Military Officers Seek Policy To Cater For Older Persons

The Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons In Nigeria, COSROPIN, in collaboration with the TYB – International Golf Resort and Country Club House, Yar’Adua Barracks, Abuja has organized a golf tournament for Veterans above eighty years.

The golf tournament was part of activities marking this year’s United Nations International Day of Older Persons, UNIDOP.

Speaking during the golf match , the Chairman, Organizing Committee of the event, Retired Major General, Charley Ogbonnaya Okoro advised the Federal Government to put in place a policy that will guarantee the welfare of older persons in the country.

Retired Major General Charley Ogbonnaya Okoro also called for the establishment of Old People’s Home to reduce challenges confronting older persons in the country.

While describing senior citizens as valuable assets to the country, Retired Major General Ogbonnaya – Okoro stressed the need for Government to always tap into their wealth of knowledge to enhance national development.

In a remark, the Captain of TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club, Major General Samson Jiya said the golf tournament was organized to appreciate the contributions of veterans to nation building.

Major General Samson Jiya who expressed concern over the challenges of some Veterans in the country, stressed the need for welfare packages, most especially in the area of healthcare delivery, towards improving their living condition.

He commenced COSROPIN for its advocacy over the years on the issue of the wellbeing of older persons nationwide.

Earlier, the President of Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons In Nigeria, COSROPIN, Senator Eze Ajoku commended the Club for partnering with the Coalition in its activities to mark this year’s United Nations International Day of Older Persons, UNIDOP.

Senator Eze Ajoku used the opportunity to also call for a legal framework that would enhance the living standard of older persons in the country.

He equally stressed the need for a health insurance scheme for older persons towards alleviating their health challenges.

According to him, COSROPIN is already sponsoring a Bill in the National Assembly on the welfare of older persons and solicited the support of President Bola Tinubu towards ensuring the enactment of the law.

Highpoints of the golf tournament were presentation of prizes to winners and appreciation of President of COSROPIN, Senator Eze Ajoku and former Registrar of JAMB, Prof Dibu Ojerinde who was one of those above 80 still playing golf among others.

Mathew Ayoola, Edited By Grace Namiji