WEAAD 2025: COSROPIN Seeks Legal Framework To Protect Older Persons As FG Restates Commitment To Their Welfare

The Federal Government says it has so far reached out to 936422 elderly persons representing 16.7% of them under its Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme.

The Minister of State, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Yusuf Sununu made this known in Abuja during an Awareness Campaign organized by the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons In Nigeria, COSROPIN, to mark this year’s World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day, WEAAD with the theme “Spotlight on Older Persons: Building Respect, Preventing Abuse”.

Dr. Sununu who said President Bola Tinubu’s led administration is committed to the well-being of older persons in the country called on COSROPIN to work with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction towards enrolling members of the Coalition for the Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme.

While soliciting the support of all stakeholders in creating more awareness on the need for Nigerians to shun elder abuse, Dr. Sununu explained that the Ministry has put in place various programmes aimed at combating the menace in the country.

In a goodwill message, the Director General, National Senior Citizens Cemtre, NSCC, Mrs Omobolanle Akinyemi – Obe commended COSROPIN for the awareness campaign to mark the 2025 World , Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Mrs Akinyemi -Obe who was represented by the Director, Corporate Affairs in NSCC, Mr Omini Oden advised older person to avail themselves of the Centre’s Mental Health Clinic towards improving their health condition.

Earlier in his welcome address, the President, Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons In Nigeria, COSROPIN, Senator Eze Ajoku, OFR, said elder abuse is not just a social problem but a human rights violation.

“We recognize that abuse thrives where system are weak and voices go unheard and this is why we continue to push for enactment of the Older Persons Rights Bill which is currently awaiting public hearing and the Coalition equally advocate for accessible, affordable healthcare including the reactivation of the NHIA Elderly Insurance Scheme as well as inclusion of older persons in national safety nets, community care models and awareness campaigns”. He stated

Senator Ajoku explained that as a national coalition comprising over 165 organizations, CSOs, NGOs, FBOs, pension unions, caregivers, retired military and civil groups, COSROPIN stand united in advocating, protecting and promoting the rights of older persons in the country.

The President of COSROPIN called on the Federal Government to fast track implementation of the National Policy on Ageing which has been distorted in its current implementation and to inaugurate the National Advisory Council on Ageing as contained on page 50 of the Policy.

“We also want the healthcare providers to report signs of abuse and offer age-friendly services while the media should break the silence by telling their stories for every Nigerian to remember that how we treat our elders is a mirror of our National soul” Senator Ajoku added

Representatives from the Federal Ministry of Justice, Department of State Security, DSS, Legal Aid Council among others promised to support COSROPIN in realizing its objectives and emphasized the need for more advocacy and would enhance the well-being of older persons in the country.