UNIDOP 2025: COSROPIN Holds Novelty Football Match for Older Persons, Calls for Improved Welfare

By our Correspondent

As part of efforts to encourage regular exercise among the elderly, the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN), in collaboration with the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) and the FCT Social Welfare Department, organized a novelty football match between older persons in the Federal Capital Territory and the Phantom Football Club of Abuja.

Speaking during the match held at the Old Parade Ground, Garki, Abuja, the President of COSROPIN, Senator Eze Ajoku, said the event was part of activities marking the 2025 United Nations International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP).

He explained that the series of activities organized for this year’s UNIDOP aimed to highlight and promote issues concerning the welfare and well-being of older persons in Nigeria.

“The group has organized a city tour, train ride, and airport excursion for older persons. Today, Friday, 17th October 2025, we are hosting this novelty match with Phantom FC of Abuja. On Saturday, 18th October, there will be a golf match celebrating persons aged 80 and above at the PYB Golf Club, Yar’Adua Barracks, Abuja. The grand finale on 22nd October will feature a road walk and other activities where Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as other stakeholders, will present reports on how they have been supporting older persons,” Senator Ajoku said.

He reiterated the need for the Federal Government to prioritize the welfare of older persons through the enactment of appropriate legal frameworks, stressing that COSROPIN would continue to champion initiatives that enhance the living standards of the elderly nationwide.

“Many older persons still have a wealth of experience. Even after retirement, government should tap into this resource by engaging them in various capacities. We are also calling for free healthcare and social services, monthly stipends for older citizens, and the speedy passage of the Older Persons Bill currently before the National Assembly,” he added.

In his remarks, the Board Chairman of COSROPIN, Sir Peter Aliyu, said the novelty match created an avenue for older persons to interact and socialize, fostering unity and friendship among them. He assured the Board’s continued support to COSROPIN’s leadership in achieving its objectives.

Some participants, including Retired Colonel Paul Omeruah and Mrs. Chinyere Orji, applauded COSROPIN for organizing the event and urged the Federal Government to provide free healthcare and monthly stipends for the elderly, noting that such measures would significantly improve their quality of life.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), Hon. Mrs. Bolanle Obe, represented by her Special Adviser, Dr. Yewande Olabinjo, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to supporting COSROPIN’s efforts, adding that the NSCC had initiated several programmes aimed at improving the welfare of older persons nationwide.

The novelty football match ended with the COSROPIN Football Team defeating Phantom FC 4–2.