By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
The Federal Government has pledged new measures to protect the rights and wellbeing of older Nigerians, unveiling a plan to make ageing policies more inclusive and accountable.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja to mark the 2025 UN International Day of Older Persons, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Tanko Sununu, said the policy drive aims to eliminate neglect and age-based discrimination. “We must ensure that no Nigerian is left behind because of age,” he said.
The event, organised by the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN), ended with a Road Walk and Advocacy Programme themed Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action.
The Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre, Mrs. Bolanle Obe, urged the National Assembly to pass the Bill on the Rights of Older Persons, saying it would give legal backing to social protection programmes. “Our elders deserve dignity, health, and inclusion,” she said.
The President of COSROPIN, Senator Eze Ajoku, said activities including a City Tour and Health Walk were designed to show that ageing can be active and empowering when supported by inclusive systems. He called for stronger government funding to end out-of-pocket health costs for senior citizens.
