UNDOP : FG Promises Inclusive Policy For Older Persons

In a bid to improve the living conditions of older persons in the country, the Federal Government has promised to put in place an inclusive policy that will enhance the welfare of the elderly and vulnerable Nigerians nationwide.

The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Tanko Sununu made the promise in Abuja during a Road Walk, Sensitization and Advocacy Programme organized by the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons In Nigeria, COSROPIN to close its activities for the 2025 United Nations International Day of Older Persons, UNIDOP.

The official global theme for this year’s celebration is *Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well -Being and Our Rights “.

While the National Focus Theme is Advocating for Healthy and Inclusive Ageing” with the Sub Theme “Breaking the Silence on Ageism: Promoting Rights and Inclusion”.

Dr Tanko Sununu said the Ministry would continue to collaborate with stakeholders towards ensuring better living conditions for older persons in the country.

The Minister, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Social Development Department in Ministry, Mr Peter Audu, commended COSROPIN for its commitment in advocating for the welfare of older persons.

In a goodwill message, the Director General of the National Senior Citizen Centre, NSCC, Mrs Bolanle Obe commended COSROPIN for organizing the road walk and sensitization programme which she noted would go a long way in creating awareness on the wellbeing of older persons in the country.

The Director General who was represented by her Special Adviser on Policy Strategic Leadership, Dr Tijani Ajayi promised that the Centre would support COSROPIN towards ensuring the passage of its Bill on the Rights of Older Persons which is currently before the National Assembly.

While advising State Governments to key into the Federal Government’s policies and programmes on the wellbeing of older persons and vulnerable Nigerians through the activities of NSCC, Mrs Bolanle Obe reiterated the determination of the Centre towards improved welfare programmes for senior citizens nationwide.

Earlier, the President of the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons In Nigeria, COSROPIN, Senator Eze Ajoku, said in Nigeria, the Coalition and other stakeholders have chosen to dwell on a more pointed, practical and national Focus with the theme: “Advocating for Healthy and Inclusive Ageing”
Sub-Theme:
“Breaking the Silence on Ageism:
Promoting Rights and Inclusion.”

“This is because at COSROPIN, we believe that advocacy must connect with the daily realities of our senior citizens their health, inclusion, and human rights.and our chosen theme complements the global message by stressing that wellbeing and inclusion begin at home within our communities, our families, and our national policies”.

Senator Ajoku stated that over the past weeks, COSROPIN with its Partners have witnessed a rich celebration of life and vitality which began with a City Tour, Metro Ride and Airport Excursion, to a Football Match and Golf Tournament.

“As we conclude this year’s celebration, I wish to call on all levels of Government Federal, State, and Local and their Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, to translate this celebration into action by adopting policies and programs that will tangibly improve the quality of life of older Nigerians and we call for:
Policies that stop the heavy burden of out-of-pocket health expenses and guarantee affordable healthcare for senior citizens”.

Representatives of the FCT Social Welfare Department, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Ministries of Information and National Orientation as well as that of Health and Social Welfare among others also called for adequate measures towards giving older persons better living conditions.

Mathew Ayoola, Edited By Grace Namiji