NSCC, CAARS Collaborate on National Symposium for Healthy Ageing, Social Protection, and the Rights of Older Persons
Maryam Aminu
The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) in its ongoing five-day series of events to mark National Older Persons Day, held a national symposium aimed at promoting healthy ageing, enhancing social protection, and safeguarding the rights of older persons today in Abuja.
The symposium will travel across different states to raise awareness and advocate for the inclusion of the geriatric population in social protection programs.
In collaboration with the Centre for African American Research Studies (CAARS), the NSCC is spearheading discussions on how to mainstream older persons into social policies that address their unique challenges.
Speaking on the partnership, NSCC’s Director-General, Dr. Emem Omokaro, emphasized that research is at the heart of the agency’s work.
“Research is an essential component of the NSCC because the agency itself is a product of extensive research. It provides data, statistics, and knowledge that shape policies. These policies then guide us in planning and implementing programs tailored to the needs of older citizens,” Dr. Omokaro said.
She highlighted the importance of dispelling negative stereotypes, prejudices, and misconceptions about older persons, which often stem from a lack of accurate information. “Research plays a crucial role in correcting these misperceptions. Through research, we can provide informed solutions and ensure that older persons are integrated into social protection frameworks,” she added.
Dr. Omokaro further revealed that research helped the NSCC identify the critical needs of older persons, in partnership with the National Directorate of Employment, the centre was able to conduct a need assessment
“Older persons are the lifeblood of many communities. Through research, we have been able to conduct needs assessments and tailor our programs to the specific requirements of each community.”
She also mentioned the NSCC’s ongoing efforts to build senior citizen centers across the country, explaining that different cultures have different needs. “We can’t apply the same model everywhere. That’s why research is crucial to help us understand what each community requires and develop tailored solutions,” she concluded.
Speaking further the President of the African University of Science and Technology, Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, represented by Dr. Bosco Okolo-Obi, Assistant Director of the Centre for Pan African and Peace Studies, highlighted the significance of research in promoting healthy ageing.
He emphasized the need for society to address the exclusion of older persons from various opportunities, particularly after retirement.
“Healthy ageing is the overall goal of this program. It is critical in today’s society, where older persons are often excluded from numerous opportunities, such as retirement after 35 years of active service. What happens when you retire?” he asked, pointing out the vast wealth of knowledge and experience that older individuals possess, which can be passed on to younger generations. However, many older people are cut off from social interactions and opportunities.
As part of the university’s mission, Dr. Okolo-Obi explained their commitment to building capacity through knowledge transfer and mentorship.
He added that the institution is exploring areas for collaboration with the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), to ensure that retirees can continue contributing to society, particularly as resource persons in training, mentorship, and knowledge transfer programs.
