FG Unveils Plan To Establish Senior Citizens Centre

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq on Thursday unveiled plans for the establishment of Senior Citizens Centre in Nigeria.

The Minister who disclosed this during an interactive session with the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of the Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN), assured members of the Coalition that the Ministry is working towards the successful take-off of the National Senior Citizen’s Centre.

According to the Minister, the law establishing the Centre is already in place.

“When operational, this Centre will, among other things identify needs, opportunities and training of senior citizens and provide recreational, sports, educational, health and social programmes and facilities designed for the full enjoyment and benefit of senior citizens.’’

The Minister assured the Coalition of the Ministry’s support adding that older citizens are one of the key vulnerable groups that are of concern to the Ministry.

She further noted that most of them have been of service to the nation in their prime and still have a lot to offer due to their wealth of experience.

The Ministry will, therefore, ensure it gives due attention to issues concerning their well-being while ensuring it carries them along in the structuring and take-off of the National Senior Citizens Centre.

Responding, COSPORIN President, Senator Eze Ajoku thanked the Honourable Minister for the Covid-19 Palliatives the Group had received to cushion the effects of the pandemic.

He also briefed the Minister on activities of the coalition which include following up on the National Policy on Aging, pursuing non-contributory health insurance for older persons, enumeration of older citizens as well as the Older Persons Rights and Privilege Bill which according to him had passed second reading at the Senate.

He, however, asked for the Minister’s support in the actualization of these initiatives.