As the world marks the ‘2016 international day of older persons’, the House of Representatives has canvassed for the improved welfare of the aged in the society.
At the multi-sectoral stakeholders’ forum organised jointly at the National Assembly by House of Representatives and Dave Omokaro Foundation, the lawmakers also proposed that a ‘Centre for the Aged’ be established in each of the 774 local government areas of the country, to cater for the elderly people in the society.
While declaring the forum open, Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara said the green chamber was already committed to making laws that would take care of the social welfare of the aged.
“In furtherance of our legislative agenda, the House of Representatives has consolidated four (4) private members’ Bills addressing fundamental aspects of welfare of older persons”, Dogara said.
Speaking further, the Speaker who was represented by Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, said the multi-sectoral stakeholders’ forum would accord the National Assembly the opportunity for the right direction of proper legislation.
“The House is open to utilizing this auspicious multilevel, multi-sectoral stakeholders’ forum to generate more resources that would further address the challenges faced by Nigerian families as an unprecedented number of people now live longer lives”, he added.
While corroborating the stance of the Honourable Speaker on the efforts of the Reps, the Chairman of House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Hon. Linus Okorie said “the 8th House of Representatives is currently processing legislatively, four consolidated Bills aimed at providing a comprehensive framework for addressing the needs and challenges of Older Persons”.
On her part, the Executive Director of Dave Omokaro Foundation, Dr. Emem Omokaro lamented the total neglect of the older people in the society.
She said “in countless families, local communities, and in city centres across Nigeria, there are growing numbers of elderly living in extreme poverty, facing core concerns of hunger and starvation, lack of continuum of health care services and facilities.
“About 90% of older people in Nigeria have no formal social security (without gratuity and pension etc); they retired from the informal sector with no savings because the informal sector is yet to create a sustainable retirement funding options. Ninety percent of older persons are below poverty line”, Dr. Omokaro explained.
The theme for this year’s international day of older persons is ‘Take A Stand Against Ageism’.
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