The federal government, through the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, has perfected plans to ensure social protection systems that are proactive, humane, inclusive and sustainable for the improvement and general welfare of older people in Nigeria.
During a one day symposium Thursday in Abuja, in commemoration of the 2020 International Day of the Older Persons with the theme “Pandemics: Do they change how we address age and ageing?”, the minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq, said that the national policy on ageing has been finalised and is presently awaiting the Federal Executive Council’s approval.
Represented at the event by the Director of Humanitarian, Grema Ali Alhaji, Farouq said that the ministry has been promoting deliberate policy interventions, in partnership with international, regional and sub-regional bodies, to develop and implement programmes and projects that will ensure the overall wellbeing of the elderly.
She said: “Our elders provide us with love and care and are a source of wisdom and talent, influencing who we are and who we aspire to be. Together, we have a duty to support older people in realising their human rights and living with dignity.
“It is time to recognise the significant contributions that older persons make to our families, communities and societies. Throughout their lives, they have given their time and energy to helping others and they continue to do so. In return, we should do more to support their human rights and freedoms, including their right to live in dignity and security, free from want and free from fear.
“In realisation of this fact, the ministry initiated various programmes and activities towards ensuring healthy ageing. Also, the ministry promotes deliberate policy interventions in partnership with both international, regional and sub-regional bodies to develop and implement programmes and projects that will ensure the overall wellbeing of the elderly. It will also interest you to note that the national policy on ageing has been finalised, awaiting the Federal Executive Council approval.
“I pray for long healthy life for our older persons in the society, as we pay tribute to older persons and the wisdom that comes with a lifetime of experience. The elderly are the world’s fastest growing population group, with those 60 years or older constituting one person in 10, a figure that is expected to rise to one person in five by mid-century.”
Also speaking, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, said that government and business owners should work towards ensuring free transportation for elderly people, free medication, free legal services and timely payment of pensions; in order for them to be happy and also encourage the younger generation.
“We need free transportation for the aged. Free medication is important for the aged. If the aged are happy, the young will be happier. Let us help the aged so that the young will not resort to self help. If the aged are not paid their pensions, the young will seek avenues to loot public treasury in older to take care of their old age. So, the youth will be happier if the old are made happy,” he said.
