FG Pledges Inclusive Policy for Older Persons as COSROPIN Concludes 2025 UNIDOP Activities

By our Correspondent

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of older persons in Nigeria through the implementation of an inclusive policy framework that ensures the wellbeing of the elderly and other vulnerable groups across the country.

The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Tanko Sununu, made this known in Abuja during a Road Walk, Sensitization and Advocacy Programme organized by the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN) to mark the conclusion of its activities for the 2025 United Nations International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP).

The global theme for this year’s celebration is “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-being and Our Rights,” while the national focus theme is “Advocating for Healthy and Inclusive Ageing,” with the sub-theme “Breaking the Silence on Ageism: Promoting Rights and Inclusion.”

Dr. Sununu, represented by the Deputy Director of the Social Development Department in the Ministry, Mr. Peter Audu, commended COSROPIN for its sustained advocacy on the welfare and inclusion of older persons. He assured that the Ministry would continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to promote better living conditions for senior citizens.

In her goodwill message, the Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), Hon. Mrs. Bolanle Obe, lauded COSROPIN for organizing the sensitization event, noting that such initiatives help raise awareness on the rights and wellbeing of older Nigerians. Represented by her Special Adviser on Policy Strategic Leadership, Dr. Tijani Ajayi, she pledged the Centre’s support for the passage of the Bill on the Rights of Older Persons currently before the National Assembly.

Hon. Obe also urged state governments to align with federal initiatives that promote the welfare of senior citizens and vulnerable groups, reaffirming the NSCC’s resolve to enhance social welfare programs for the elderly nationwide.

Earlier, the President of COSROPIN, Senator Eze Ajoku, OFR, emphasized that this year’s national theme reflects the Coalition’s practical approach to advocacy, which focuses on health, inclusion, and human rights for older persons. He explained that COSROPIN’s activities for the 2025 celebration included a series of events such as a City Tour, Metro Ride, Airport Excursion, Football Match, and Golf Tournament.

Senator Ajoku called on all tiers of government to translate the spirit of the celebration into concrete action through policies and programs that will significantly improve the quality of life for older Nigerians. He specifically advocated for measures to eliminate out-of-pocket health expenses and guarantee affordable healthcare for senior citizens.

Representatives from the FCT Social Welfare Department, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the Ministries of Information, National Orientation, Health, and Social Welfare also stressed the need for stronger government interventions to enhance the living conditions of older persons in the country.