The Federal Government has promised to harness the potentials of the nation’s aging population.
The promise was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, whereas delivering an handle at a ceremony organized to mark the International Day of Older Persons on the UN House in Abuja.
Speaking on the occasion with the theme, ‘Fulfilling the promise of the universal declaration of human rights for older persons across generations’, which was organised by the UN and the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), Edu lauded the institution of the NSCC by the NSCC Act 2017 to promote mainstreaming of older individuals within the supply of optimistic outcomes for the aged.
She stated President Bola Tinubu’s transfer to reposition the Ministry demonstrated the federal government’s political will to develop mechanisms and obtain the specified objectives.
She stated, “The NSCC remains the veritable agency to consolidate opportunities for the older population, in partnership with the various Ministries, Department and Agencies through multi-sectoral coordination.
“The present administration will ensure adequate support; persuasion of the state governments to domesticate the NSCC Act , VAPP Act, Persons with Disability Act and National Health Authority Act.
“The present administration will focus on harnessing the potential of an aging population, combat ageism and negative stereotypes and close the gaps and inconsistencies in data.”
She added that the administration would give attention to analysis, human capital improvement and proceed to create programs succesful of supporting older individuals, together with age pleasant environments, common well being protection and long run care programs.
On his half, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Matthias Schmale, reassured of UN’s assist for Nigeria within the promotion and safety of the rights of older individuals.
Schmale stated the occasion was tailor-made to present alternative for reflection on the affect of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on the safety of the rights of older individuals.
He stated: “It is my sincere hope that today’s dialogue will allow for reflections on effective promotion and protection of older persons in Nigeria, focusing on their contributions throughout their life, for the knowledge and expertise they can pass on to younger generations.
“As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the UN in Nigeria is committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts towards enhancing the promotion and protection of the rights of older persons.
“Especially, older persons living in vulnerable situations and making the promise of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights a reality for all Nigerians.”
The Director-General of NSCC, Dr Emem Omokaro, recognized universally declared rights of older individuals to embody proper to life, liberty, and safety of individual, freedom from discrimination, abuse, violence and torture, in addition to proper to work and schooling, amongst others.
Omokaro stated: “Today, we wish to present highlights of IE’s Report and Nigeria’s response, and have a multi-sectoral panel of discussants to make inputs.
“The outcomes we hope will enhance understanding of opportunities and challenges of older persons.
“(To) strengthen partnerships and technical support, increased aging mainstreaming in multi-sector plans, the SDGs, equity and solidarity across generations.”
