NSCC Honors Media and Entertainment Veterans at Abuja Roundtable
Maryam Aminu
In a heartwarming tribute to the legends of Nigeria’s media and entertainment industry, the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), hosted a roundtable yesterday in Abuja to celebrate the immense contributions of veterans and reinforce their ongoing relevance in society.
This exclusive event, spearheaded by NSCC Director General Dr. Emem Omokaro, shone a spotlight on the invaluable role these pioneers continue to play in shaping the nation’s cultural and economic landscape.
Dr. Omokaro’s address struck a deep chord, as she highlighted the stigmatization many elderly citizens face despite the societal respect traditionally associated with old age.
“The elderly are often mistreated due to their age,” she remarked, advocating for a paradigm shift in how society perceives and treats its senior citizens.
She emphasized that human rights are ageless and called for an urgent rethinking of societal norms to better respect and support the elderly.
The roundtable also marked a critical step in advancing the domestication of the NSCC Act, with Dr. Omokaro urging policymakers to implement its provisions nationwide.
“Our veterans still have much to offer, even in retirement,” she declared, underscoring the potential of these veterans to contribute to national development.
The event took on special significance with the involvement of iconic Nigerian television figure, Peter Igho, who was instrumental in organizing the roundtable.
Igho, known for shaping Nigeria’s television landscape, passionately advocated for increased recognition of the industry’s veterans, stating that many of today’s successful media careers were built on the foundation laid by these pioneers.
“These veterans deserve our appreciation for dedicating their lives to their craft,” Igho affirmed, pledging to continue bridging the gap between veterans and the recognition they deserve.
Nollywood legend Joke Silva, who was also in attendance, echoed Igho’s sentiments, expressing deep gratitude for the recognition.
“We will all age one day, and how we treat our elders now reflects the kind of society we want to build,” Silva said, urging the younger generation to value the wisdom and experiences of older citizens.
Veteran broadcast journalist Dr. Ladan Salihu added his voice to the conversation, lauding the NSCC for providing a support system for elderly veterans.
He suggested that these gatherings should be held quarterly to foster camaraderie and offer a platform for open discussions among veterans.
Salihu also proposed the establishment of a financial reserve to assist veterans facing financial difficulties, calling it a necessary measure to ensure their dignity in retirement.
The roundtable concluded with a collective call for greater awareness and appreciation of the rights and contributions of older citizens. Speakers emphasized that aging is a natural and enriching part of life, not a burden, and that society should actively work towards creating an inclusive environment where the elderly are respected and supported.
This event signifies a profound step forward in reshaping societal attitudes toward the elderly, particularly veterans who have given so much to Nigeria’s media and entertainment landscape.
As the NSCC continues to champion the rights of senior citizens, the legacy of these industry giants remains an essential part of the nation’s cultural heritage.
