NSCC Makes Case for Inclusion of Older Persons in Economic Devt Plan

•Says stereotyping diminishes their contributions to the society

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has made a business and economic growth case for equity and inclusion of older person’s in sustainable development of the country.

This was even as the Centre hinted that the limited understanding, stereotyping of the older person’s, constitute the barriers to equity across generations and to the fragmented inclusion of same in sustainable development agendas.

In her welcome address, the Director General, NSSC, Emem Omokaro, on the occasion of the Centre’s maiden programmes and services fair 2023 in Abuja, said: “Today is distinct as we wish to share NSCC’s innovative and transformative actions, so far aimed at improving quality of life and wellbeing for older persons.”

Omokaro said: “In my capacity as the pioneer Director General of Nigeria’s National Senior Citizens Centre, the first National focal agency of government established by Federal legislation, to identify and cater for the needs of older persons in Nigeria, NSCC has made efforts in terms of program and services designed to reorient attitudes of Nigerians at all levels particularly policy and decision makers to engage an optimistic perception of ageing and view it from a diversity of older persons and from a development lens;

According to her, I wish to acknowledge all the esteemed stakeholders who have joined today’s conversation with the hope that NSCC’s progress so far, will spot light possibilities.

Speaking further at the event, themed, ”Equity By Design, Delivering Multi-Sectoral Inclusion for Older Persons”, said NSCC was working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the quality of lives and welfare of older persons in the in Nigeria and we would also help mainstream its intervention programmes to improve the quality of life and welfare of older persons across states and local government areas.

Omokaro said it has consistently been the challenge of the national systems in the federal, state and local governments to recognise ageing as a development issue and therefore, stressed the need to support efforts toward addressing problems associated with the ageing population in the country

Speaking in similar vein, deputy chief whip of the House of Representatives, Adewumi Oriyomi-Onanuga, advocated the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Senior Citizens Affairs that will cater for the welfare of older persons in the nation.

Oriyomi-Onanuga, said the ministry would be responsible for proper coordination and implementation of social protection services to older persons in the country.

According to her, the ministry will coordinate social protection and intervention programmes to alleviate the plight of older persons. ‘Senior citizens deserve a lot from Nigeria as a way of giving back to them for the sacrifices they made while in active service.”

She assured stakeholders of the House’s resolve to support all efforts to ensure speedy passage of any appropriation bill that would cater to the welfare of older persons in the nation.