NSCC Commits To Healthy Ageing, Tasks New Staff On Professionalism

In a swift move to improve the quality of life for older persons, the Federal government has recruited over 90 personnel into the National Senior Citizens Center NSCC to strengthen institution capacity and promote healthy ageing across the 36 States of the country including FCT.

At the induction of the newly recruited staff in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Mr Olubunmi Olusanya reiterated the commitment of President Tinubu in safeguarding the dignity, welfare and rights of Older Persons through its coordinated policy of social protection, poverty reduction and inclusive governance.

Mr Olusanya while urging the new recruited staff to embrace professionalism, discipline, teamwork, empathy, accountability aimed at effective delivery of the agency’s mandate, added that the Ministry would continue to provide institutional support and oversight towards improved service delivery.

“Let integrity be your, compass, let innovation, solutions, and compassion define your engagement with older persons, and I am very sure you are young and have older people and you know their peculiarities, it is a calling not like every other government work, please put your heart and impact positively on the lives of our older persons.”

Earlier in a welcome address the Director General of NSCC, Mrs Medinat Omobolanle Akinyemi Obe explained that the move aligns with development plans of renewed hope agenda of the present administration in advancing national ageing priorities to be more visible, measurable and transformative.

“Remember, the work we do here is bigger than any one of us. You are not merely staff, you are agents of transformation, champions of human rights, and advocates for dignity. Your efforts will leave a lasting legacy for generations of Nigerians to come”.

“Together, we will ensure that older persons are not left behind, that they are recognized, included, and empowered in Nigeria’s development journey.”

On his part, the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Prof Tony Ojukwu while highlighting some of the challenges of Older persons in the country, called for continuous collaboration among stakeholders in monitoring, protecting and promoting the rights of Older persons in line with national laws, regional commitments and international human rights standards.

“This induction is not only timely but a strategic roadmap towards building capacity of personnel around issues of ageing, Ageing is not a burden but a phase in life that deserves respect, protection and support.”

The event with the theme”Strengthening lnstitutional Capacity and Partnership for Advancing National Ageing Priorities” also witnessed presentations from the National Orientation Agency,(NOA,) the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), UNFPA, among other partners.

Nkiruka Okeke, Edited By Grace Namiji