By Nafisat Makinde
The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has certified 28 assessors in its Quality Assurance Assessor Certification in Geriatric Social Care program, with 20 more currently undergoing training in the second cohort. The 11-week competency-based program includes eight weeks of supervised fieldwork and aims to enhance the quality of elder care in Nigeria.
According to Dr. Emem Omokaro, Director General of the NSCC, “Caregiving is not just theoretical; it requires practical skills, including the use of assistive devices and the ability to detect signs of elder abuse.” She emphasized the importance of accrediting geriatric care training providers across the country to ensure competence in caregiving.
The NSCC has developed a national web-based portal to centralize information on certified assessors, accredited training centers, and trained caregivers. This portal will serve as a one-stop hub for stakeholders in geriatric care. Dr. Omokaro highlighted the Centre’s collaboration with agencies such as the National Human Rights Commission and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to respond to reported cases of elder abuse.
The Centre has also launched educational initiatives, including the formation of Elder Justice Clubs in schools to promote intergenerational respect and advocacy. Dr. Omokaro cited a tragic case in Benue State where an elderly man was buried alive after being accused of witchcraft, highlighting the need for stronger protections for older persons.
“This is about more than justice—it’s about saving lives,” Dr. Omokaro said, urging the media to support the Centre’s efforts by raising awareness and promoting helplines for reporting abuse. She also noted that more states are now domesticating the NSCC Act, paving the way for the establishment of State Senior Centres and local aging policies.
The NSCC’s initiatives aim to promote intergenerational respect and advocacy, ensuring that older persons receive the care and respect they deserve. As Dr. Omokaro noted, “We are working to ensure that older persons receive the care and respect they deserve.”
