Group Calls For Inclusion Of Aging Persons In National Development Agenda
The reality of aging is now becoming a concern with the increasing ratio of the aged now in Nigeria.
Available data provided to News Dot Africa has it that the population of older persons in Nigeria is currently estimated at 9.7 million . From 7.5 m in 2013 as given by the National Population Commission, it is projected to reach 10 million by 2020. Unfortunately, its only 4 percent that is on pension.
These were concerns raised by Dr Emem Omokaro, Executive Director of Dave Omokaro Foundation and Co-chair of the Stakeholder Group on Ageing Africa (SGA- Africa), at the press conference in Abuja on Monday, 2nd December, 2019.
Dr Omokaro expressed desire for an increased consciousness of the rights of aging individuals as their rights and desires were often ignored during the policy making process, with emphasis often laid on other vulnerable groups in society.
There was a need, she said, to lay down a policy framework aimed at centering the older person as a bonafide rights holder deserving of participating in the perpetuation and development of the country.
She called on the media, as major stakeholders in the ageing discussion, to draw attention to the policy gaps in the national development agenda in issues like universal healthcare and social protection that overlooked aging persons in their provisions.
Commending the present administration for passing the National Senior Citizens’ Centre Act in 2018, she called for speedy implementation of the policy and the inclusion of funding targeted towards aging persons in Social Protection Programmes. 
Also speaking Faculty Member of Dave Omokaro Foundation Africa Institute on Ageing and Development (DOFRIAD) and Community Physician, Dr Felix Oyare, called for the modification of primary healthcare centres to include sections that cater to the health challenges of older persons. He also stressed the need for training and re-orienting healthcare workers to equip them with necessary skills for the proper care of aging individuals.
Speaking, the Registrar of Dave Omokaro Foundation Africa Institute on Ageing and Development (DOFRIAD), Mr. Ibrahim Dan’lya, challenged the media to drive serious discussion and play a role in mounting pressure on the Nigerian government to address policy gaps in issues affecting older persons.
