Stakeholders Solicit Legal Framework To Better Lives Of Older Persons

By Ene Idoko

As part of efforts to further protect the rights of older persons in the society, stakeholders have reiterated their support in ensuring a legal framework is developed for quality of life of the aged in society.

The Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Anthony Ojikwu stated this in Abuja during a road walk organized by the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria, COSROPIN to mark this year’s United Nations International day of Older Persons.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Plan of Action of Ageing to respond to opportunities and challenges of population of Ageing in the 21st Century to promote the development of a society for all ages.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration ‘fulfilling the promises of the Universal declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons across generations, the Executive Secretary of NHRC Anthony Ojukwu promised that in line with the commission’s mandate, it would continue to promote and protect the rights of the elderly in the country.

The Executive Secretary who was represented by a Director in the commission, Mrs Yemisi Akhile explained that the commission was constantly engaging with the federal government to ensure that older person’s rights were respected and engaged to contribute to national development.

Earlier, the president of the coalition of societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria, COSROPIN, Senator Eze Ajoku appealed to relevant organisations for partnership for the inclusion of older persons in Government’s developmental plans and initiatives.

Senator Ajoku promised that COSROPIN would continue to work with older person’s to help them have a better life.

Some Senior Citizens and members of COSROPIN, Retired Colonel Paul Omeruwa, Professor Tunde Adeniran and Prof Joy Ehisi who also spoke during the walk advised Nigerian youths to respect their elders and be useful to themselves and the country.

The event witnessed a collaboration between FRSC, NHIA, Ministry of Women’ Affairs, Legal Aid Council among others to ensure older person’s rights were promoted and protected.

Edited By Grace Namiji