2025 UNIDOP: COSROPIN Organises Abuja Metro Ride for Older Persons, Urges FG to Enact Legal Framework for Their Wellbeing

By our Correspondent

In a bid to promote social interaction and reduce depression among older persons in the country, the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN) has treated about one hundred older persons in the Federal Capital Territory to an Abuja Metro ride and an excursion to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The Abuja Metro Ride and Airport Excursion was organised in collaboration with the FCT Social Welfare Department and the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC).

Speaking at the event in Abuja, the President of COSROPIN, Senator (Dr.) Eze Ajoku, OFR, said the initiative was part of activities marking the 2025 United Nations International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP).

Senator Ajoku commended the Federal Government for appointing Mrs. Bolanle Akinyemi Obe as the new Director General of the NSCC and for ensuring regular payment of pensions to retirees across the country.

He, however, called on the Federal Government to establish a legal framework that would further enhance the welfare and wellbeing of older persons nationwide.

Ajoku also advised older persons to remain hopeful, serve God diligently, and prioritise healthy living as key to graceful ageing.

Some of the participants, including Mr. Alex John, Hajiya Halimat Sani, and Dr. James Audu, expressed appreciation to COSROPIN for the gesture, describing the event as an opportunity for them to socialise and share experiences. They appealed to the Federal Government to introduce free healthcare programmes and monthly stipends for senior citizens, as practiced in some other countries.

Other participants, such as Mrs. Hannah Ter, Alhaja Aminat Abdullahi, and Engr. Smith Adams, also lauded the excursion, describing it as a memorable experience, and urged COSROPIN to sustain such initiatives.

The Director General of the NSCC, Mrs. Bolanle Obe, in her remarks, commended COSROPIN for organising the event, which she said brought smiles to the faces of older persons. Represented by her Special Adviser, Dr. Y. M. Olabinjo, Mrs. Obe assured that the Centre would continue to partner with COSROPIN on programmes aimed at improving the standard of living of the elderly in Nigeria.

Other activities planned by COSROPIN to commemorate the 2025 United Nations International Day of Older Persons include a golf tournament and a football match designed to promote regular exercise and active living among older persons.

By MATHEW AYOOLA