2025 UNIDOP: COSROPIN Treats Older Persons to Abuja Metro Ride, Seeks Federal Government’s Support for Legal Framework on Their Wellbeing

In a bid to foster 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 organized a special Abuja Metro ride and an excursion to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for about one hundred senior citizens in the Federal Capital Territory.

The event, tagged “Abuja Metro Ride and Excursion to the Airport,” was held in partnership 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 gesture was part of activities marking this year’s 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 National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), and for its commitment to the regular payment of pensions to retirees.

He, however, called on the Federal Government to establish a legal framework that would further promote and safeguard the wellbeing of older persons across the country.

Senator Ajoku also encouraged senior citizens to remain hopeful, stay devoted to God, and prioritize healthy living as a key to graceful ageing.

Some of the beneficiaries — Mr. Alex John, Hajiya Halimat Sani, and Dr. James Audu — expressed appreciation to COSROPIN for the initiative, noting that the event gave them an opportunity to socialize, make new friends, and enjoy a memorable experience.

They appealed to the Federal Government to initiate free healthcare programmes for the elderly and provide monthly stipends to them, similar to what is obtainable in other countries.

Other participants, including Mrs. Hannah Ter, Alhaja Aminat Abdullahi, and Engr. Smith Adams, described the excursion as a welcome development and urged COSROPIN to sustain the effort.

In her remarks, the Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre, Mrs. Bolanle Obe, commended COSROPIN for the laudable event, noting that it 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 collaborate with COSROPIN on programmes designed to improve the living standards of senior citizens nationwide.

Other activities lined up by COSROPIN to commemorate the 2025 United Nations International Day of Older Persons include a golf tournament and a football match aimed at promoting regular exercise among the elderly.