Mohammed Shosanya
The Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria(COSROPIN),has advocated the need for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to signing the Older Persons Rights and Privilege Bill,in orde to guarantee the protection of the rights of the elderly in the society.
Senator Eze Ajoku, President of the group,expressed this on Thursday in Abuja during the commemoration of the United Nations World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023
He explained that the bill seeks to confer privileges and benefits on older persons to enhance their quality of life as well as address the social and economic challenges, triggered by ageing and the need for the government to formulate policies that would incorporate the elderly.
The Older Persons Rights and Privilege Bill 2019 was passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly and transmitted to then President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.He did not sign the bill before leaving office.
Ajoku further urged the government to treat older persons as a class of vulnerable people, calling for the provision of monthly social security stipends, free medical care, older person’s homes in the country.
He maintained that these measures would go improving the quality of life for the older persons in Nigeria.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration which is “Addressing Gender-based Violence in Older Age–Policy, Law and Evidence-based Responses,” he said the theme recognised the unique challenges faced by older persons, particularly older women in relation to gender-based violence as well as highlighted the need for comprehensive policies, legal frameworks and evidence-based approaches to addressing these issues.
Dr.Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development,disclosed that the efforts of the Ministry led to the establishment of the National Senior Citizens Centre and the approval of the National Policy on Ageing by the Federal Government.
Sani-Gwarzo, represented by Mr. Joseph Dzunguse, Focal Person for Older Persons in the Ministry,lauded Senator Eze Ajoku and COSROPIN for working relentlessly to protect the rights, privileges and dignity of olders persons in Nigeria.
He pledged the ministry’s partnership with COSROPIN in ensuring that older persons in Nigeria live a happy, healthy and productive life.
The Director General of Legal Aid Council, Abubakar Aliyu, said the council provides free legal services for all Nigerians, including the older persons.
Aliyu, represented by Mr. Victor Labesa, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics in the Legal Aid Council, tasked the older persons to explore the services of the Council to seek redress whenever their rights are violated.