NSCC Launches Strategic RoadMap on Ageing,urge All To Promote Friendly Environment for Older People
Maryam Aminu
The need for a plan cannot be over emphasized as planning provides the basis for laying a good foundation for success. The National Senior Citizens Centre has started on a sound footing by providing an outline of steps designed with the goals of the entire organisation.
The Minister, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouk made this known at the launch of National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) Strategic Documents on 31st January, 2023 in Abuja
Farouk stated that the production of the document involved various experts and stakeholders across the country as such, the document will support NSCC to achieve the desired coordination, collaboration, cooperation and communication in mainstreaming issues affecting the older persons in Nigeria in all critical MDAs.
She expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for having the political will to make issues of older persons a priority and urged the state government to do same.
” There is no alternative to enhancing the well-being of older persons in our communities,we need to take the message of inclusive society where every older person can live a dignified, healthy, happy and secured life to the fullest to all the states and the local government areas and communities where our people are vulnerable and build their resilience.”
“As we deliver the two plans into the hands of the desk officers in the MDAs,we plead with to create an inclusive environment for older persons who are particularly vulnerable to disability in old age due to disease susceptibility.” Farouk added.
The Minister urged all to henceforth promote age friendly environment for our senior citizens so they can enjoy adequate and appropriate housing, intergenerational synergy, health care etc.
Speaking also, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs,Dr Nasir Dani Gwarzo, applauded the centre for the lanch of the Ten- Year Strategic Plan and Plan of Action to operationalize the National Policy on Ageing.
Gwarzo urged the henceforth, issues of older persons should not be neglected in view of their experience, knowledge and skills in our communities because they are still making key contributions in economic, political and social life.
He added that as the proportion of the older people continue to increase in Nigeria, NSCC should engage more the state government to further collaboration.
Gwarzo acknowledged that the administration of President Muhammadu Bihari has continued to support NSCC to change the narrative on ageing and enhance coordination and cooperation with state, international and national NGOs,the private sector,academia and other relevant stakeholders to develop sustainable partnerships and promote dignified ageing and issues related to older persons.
Speaking earlier, the Director General, National Senior Citizens Centre, Dr Emem Omokaro expressed that the occasion is a milestone for the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the National Senior Citizens Centre and also an undeniable date with legacy for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari as it present evidence of the administration’s commitment to building inclusive and integrated resilient systems and institutions that can address the challenges of population ageingand cater for the needs of older persons and also exploit the opportunities
Omokaro stated that the unveiling of the strategic Roadmap on Ageing 2022-2032and the National Plan of Action on Ageing and project Activities 2021-2025, will give Nigerians optimistic perception of ageing viewed from the lens of diversity of
older persons and ageing as wrought with both challenges and opportunities.
She made known that the plans support an inclusive vision that addresses the demographic change that is comprehensive, grounded in evidence and based on human rights, contributes programs and activities that shift the predominant negative narrative from focus on challenges to a focus on opportunities and solutions
The documents identifies the key strategic pathways to enhance quality of life and well-being of older persons through programs and partnerships and a sustainable coordinating framework
She disclosed that the plan on Ageing contains key actions for implementation and capacity enhancement and human resource development
