By Bode Olagoke
Abuja
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), under the aegis Kaduna State Zone 3 Concerned CSOs/KYB’s Elders, has asked Kaduna state Governor, Alhaji Muktar Ramalan Yero, to as a matter of urgency implement a universal pension for older persons above 60 years of age and support the establishment of a commission for the elderly in the state.
They further called on the governor to redesign its protocol list and make provision for minimum of 15 per cent inclusion of the elderly in all activities of government and sharing of benefits such as participation in decision-making advisory role play, poverty alleviation, at all levels.
The group in communiqué by its Chairman and Secretary, Prof. John Dada and Elder T A Shamang, at the end a one-day meeting held in Kaduna, called for release of the White Paper and implement the report of 70-man Peace, and Reconciliation Committee in the interest of security and peace of the zone and the state.
The event which drew participants from all the eight local government areas of Zone 3 also resolved that those elders from every religious faith be involved in perpetual prayers for peace and security for the zone, state and the nation.
He said: “The concerned CSOs/KYB’s Elders attending this meeting expect that from now on, the Kaduna state government will ensure an inclusive governance at all levels, especially of its Older Citizens who are resident in the grassroots communities of the state in all matters affecting each locality.”
The statement observed the need for good governance at all levels of community, nation and society and the need for a vehicle to enable all stakeholders have a say in the planning application and evaluation of public/ state resources and projects.
