On the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, the Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre, Emem Omokaro, assured the elderly population that the country is implementing policies focused on equality, inclusion, and the elimination of negative stereotypes.
She underscored the significance of these initiatives in fostering an inclusive society where the rights of older individuals are honored, enabling them to thrive in an age-friendly environment.
NAIJATRAFFIC learnt that, Omini Oden, the agency’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Media and Communications, Omokaro highlighted the value and contributions that older citizens bring to their communities.
She remarked, “With the National Senior Citizens Centre’s Age-friendly, Human Rights and Life course lenses, policy actions that are non-prejudicial, non-discriminatory and devoid of negative stereotyping is moving forward, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, commitment to heralding an inclusive Nigeria with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The International Day of Older Persons, established by the United Nations and observed on October 1 each year, aims to raise awareness and reinforce commitments to enhance the care and support systems available for the elderly and their caregivers.
This day also serves to acknowledge the contributions of older individuals and to address the challenges impacting their well-being.
The UN has selected “Ageing with dignity: The importance of strengthening care and support systems for older persons worldwide” as the theme for 2024.
The UN defines an older person as someone aged 60 and above, and currently, approximately one billion individuals globally fall into this category. The World Health Organization projects this number will rise to 1.4 billion by 2030, meaning one in every six people will be over 60 years old.
In Nigeria, the older demographic counts about 14.8 million individuals, with 70 percent residing in rural areas, according to the National Bureau of Statistics in 2019.
Elderly individuals frequently encounter issues such as abuse, chronic health conditions, security concerns, limited mobility, unemployment, discrimination, and poverty, making them vulnerable to various forms of mistreatment.
NAIJATRAFFIC reported a rising concern among stakeholders regarding elder abuse, highlighting that many incidents are committed by family members and caregivers who lack proper training and skills.
The UN insists that older persons should be treated equitably, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, or other statuses.
To promote healthier and longer lives for the elderly, the UN has declared the years 2021 to 2030 as the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing.
Since the International Day of Older Persons coincides with Nigeria’s Independence Day, Omokaro noted that the Federal Government, during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, designated October 5 as the observance day.
She stated, “This day presents a chance to celebrate older individuals and their contributions, while also drawing attention to the issues affecting them. Given that October 1st is Nigeria’s Independence Day, it was necessary to establish a separate national day to prevent overshadowing the importance of honoring older persons on that date. As a result, on December 17th, 2021, the Federal Government directed that National Day of Older Persons be observed annually on October 5th.”
Furthermore, the NSCC DG mentioned, “The theme for the 2024 International Day of Older Persons is ‘Celebrating Older Persons and the integral role they play in the community.’”
“For the national celebration, the National Senior Citizens Centre has expanded this theme to ‘Celebrating older persons and the integral role they play; Recognising People and Places that Remove the Barriers.’”
The focus of this celebration is to highlight the true value and contributions of older adults within communities while addressing ageism—negative stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination that hinder their access to appropriate healthcare, social safety nets, lifelong learning opportunities, and supportive environments essential for inclusion and independence.
She added that the NSCC plans to honor older citizens with a week of activities from October 1-5, recognizing those dedicated to dismantling societal biases and barriers against the elderly.
Through its “Five Days of Action” from October 1st to 5th, the National Senior Citizens Centre will acknowledge individuals committing to remove societal biases and barriers, presenting them with the National Senior Citizens Centre Distinguished Public or Humanitarian Service and Elder Justice Advocacy Award.
This initiative aims to shine a light on systemic discrimination against older individuals while mobilizing support networks for transformative initiatives to enhance the quality of life for this demographic.
Omokaro outlined the objectives for the 2024 National Day as celebrating senior citizens and their past and ongoing contributions; recognizing and rewarding individuals and services that value and respect older persons to promote their inclusion; and garnering media support for seniors.
“The National Senior Citizens Centre through its Five Days of Action, October 1st – 5th, will be recognising those who consciously commit to removing the societal biases and barriers and to honour them with the National Senior Citizens Centre Distinguished Public or Humanitarian Service and Elder Justice Advocacy Award while highlighting systemic discrimination against older persons and mobilizing network support for its transformational initiatives to improve quality of life of older persons.
“Objectives of 2024 National Day: to celebrate senior citizens and their past and continuing contributions to communities and country; to recognise and AWARD people and services that have recognised the value and significance of older persons and responded with heart and respect to ensure inclusion and participation for improved quality of life; to recognise and Mobilise media support networks for Senior citizens,” Omokaro said
After the observance, the NSCC DG expressed hope for enhanced public awareness regarding the significance of supportive environments and people in fostering healthy aging and happiness among older individuals.
