The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for increased support, care and protection for elderly persons across the country, stressing the need for government, private organisations and individuals to work together to improve their welfare and quality of life.
She made the call in a message to mark the 2026 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The First Lady stressed that the senior citizens deserves maximum respect at all times because of their age and dedicated service to the nation.
She said: “Today, on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2026, with the theme “Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work,” I call on us to do more to protect the dignity, rights, safety, and wellbeing of senior citizens.
“Our elderly citizens deserve to be respected, protected, and cared for. Yet many continue to face physical, emotional, financial, and psychological abuse.
“As populations age and the challenges of aging begin to emerge, we must strengthen our systems of care, community support, and social protection to ensure that no older person is left vulnerable or abandoned.”
Mrs Tinubu used the opportunity to remind the younger generation to always respect the elderly because they will one day grow old too.
“I want us to remember that a young person today will become an elder tomorrow. Let us continue to honour and care for our elderly citizens whose wisdom, sacrifices, and contributions have helped shape our society,” she added.
