Centre urges Nigerians to view older Peoples’ need beyond Palliative

By Ahmed Ubandoma

Dr Emem Omokaro, the Director-General, National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), has appealed to Nigerians to always view older people’s needs beyond palliatives.

Omokaro stated this at a one-day capacity enhancement workshop for commissioners and Directors of Social Welfare from 36 states and FCT on the domestication of NSCC Act 2017 and  the National Action Plan on Ageing on Tuesday in Abuja.

The workshop was organised by the NSCC in collaboration with the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA).

She urged stakeholders to focus more on providing social care for senior citizens, especially their healthcare needs.

Omokaro said that there would be a paradigm shift from the perception of some Nigerians about ageing after the meeting.

“Our mandate is to improve the life and wellbeing of older persons, and I am very mindful of your various efforts in humanitarian interventions.

“Especially the distribution of palliatives in recent times, the campaigns for domestication of the Child Rights Act in States, your increasing commitment to equity and inclusion of the older population.

“So, Please open your minds for these discussions because at the end of the day, we should be able to shift and look at the older person’s needs and programmes beyond Palliatives,” she said.

She said that ageing is supposed to be an economic sub-sector that can generate revenue as well as fetch dignity, and strengthen the human rights of older populations in the country.

“Our focus in this meeting is to present an optimistic perception about ageing that will drive a holistic approach to ageing programming, guided by NSCC Act 2017 under the National Policy on Ageing.

“We are here to build on your efforts to share our vision and request collaborations on the multi-sectoral approach.

“This will make challenges of older persons a holistic development concern rather than a one- off welfare mandate,” Omokaro said.

Also speaking, the UNFPA Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Gifty Addico, expressed their commitment to support NSCC in its quest to protect the rights and privileges of older persons in Nigeria.

He was represented by Mr Taiwo Ibineye.

“UNFPA will support initiatives aimed at promoting the health and quality of life of our older persons to ensure our senior citizens have access to healthcare services.

“Social support network and opportunity for active participation in the society,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

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Edited by Joseph Edeh