The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq said that there’s need for urgent action and Interventions to change the narrative of ageing in Nigeria.
The Minister said this in Abuja, Nigeria at an event to commemorate the One year of the establishment of the National Senior citizens Center in the country.
Earlier today, HM @Sadiya_farouq attended events in commemoration of the First 365 Days of the National Senior Citizen’s Centre (@nsccofficial). pic.twitter.com/sbe2BqeDtU
— Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs (@FMHDSD) July 28, 2022
She said older persons have been long neglected in the communities hence the time for urgent action and intervention.
“One of the objectives of the National Policy on Ageing in Nigeria is to cause a fundamental positive change in perception, attitude and paradigm about ageing, old age and an inclusive society,” she said
According to her, the establishment of the National Senior Citizen Center in Nigeria last year was a landmark decision and a watershed in recognition of Older Person.
“This bold step has ensured that we are on the right path in attaining Sustainable Development Goals and the universal plan of action to achieve sustainable development in a balanced manner that seeks to realize the human rights of all people and ensuring that the older persons are not left behind as we make progress.
“We cannot continue to neglect our older persons in view of their experience, knowledge and skills in our communities as they are still making key contributions in economic, political and social life.”
She further commended the Centre developing the desired coordination, collaboration, Cooperation and communication to effectively and efficiently deliver its mandate to the Senior Citizens in Nigeria.
“The NSCC, apart from developing policies, strategies and plans at positively changing the multiple challenges that severely restrict the human rights and contribution of older persons to the society, has engaged stakeholders at every level and networked to leverage on the work of the Ministries, Department and Agencies of government and the civil society at mainstreaming ageing in all the sectors.”
The Minister therefore urged the Center to expand their activities by engaging the State Governments for further collaboration.
“As the proportion of the older people continue to increase in Nigeria, there is the need to expand the need for improved information and analysis of ageing population, assist policymakers to define, formulate goals and programmes, raise public awareness and support for required policy changes,” Farouq added.
The Director General, Senior Citizens Center, Emem Omakaro said with the first National Policy on Ageing and the SCC Act 2021, Nigerians now have the National legislation and policy needed to protect the right of older persons.
-Exhibition of Older Persons’ Led-Indigenous Crafts towards the development of Micro and Small Enterprises under @nsccofficial Livelihood Development
Initiative.
-Medical Outreach and Distribution of Palliative pic.twitter.com/AB8STkN4FY— Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs (@FMHDSD) July 28, 2022
“As we commemorate the first 365 days, I wish to first express my sincere appreciation for the policy guidance, support and encouragement from Farouq and the entire staff of the Ministry.
“Today, the target set and milestone reached by the NSCC during its first 365 days in spite of the challenges are aptly capture via the documentary scheduled as an item of today’s programme.
“We developed a communication strategy making clearer how social inclusion of senior citizens positively affect communities, younger generation and campaign against discrimination, abuse and neglect of older persons.
Omokaro added that the theme of the event “Cascading innovative strategy, programmes, partnerships and stakeholders engagement”, indicates that NSCC is now adequately positioned to meets its obligations to reach the most vulnerable older persons through rapid alignment and replication in partnership with states where older persons are.
