General News
UNIDOP 2026: COSROPIN Advocates Better Social Security for Older Persons
In continuation of activities to mark this year’s United Nations International Day for Older Persons (UNIDOP), the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN) has organised a Veterans’ 9-Hole Golf Kitty Competition in collaboration with TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club.
Speaking during the competition in Abuja, the President of COSROPIN, Senator Eze Ajoku, OFR, said this year’s competition marked the third consecutive year that COSROPIN and TYB Golf Club had come together to celebrate older persons through golf.
He expressed delight that what started as a partnership had become an annual event that everyone looked forward to.
“Some may wonder why COSROPIN, an organisation devoted to the welfare, dignity, protection and rights of older persons, is organising a golf competition. The answer is simple. Our concern is not merely that people should live long, but that they should live those additional years in good health, with dignity, independence and happiness,” he stated.
He added, “Longevity without good health and quality of life is not what we advocate. We want older persons to remain physically active, mentally alert, socially connected and useful to themselves, their families and society.”
According to him, golf provides a wonderful opportunity to achieve some of these objectives.
He explained that as participants walk the course, exercise their muscles, concentrate on their shots, interact with friends and sometimes laugh at their poor shots, they engage in activities that positively contribute to their physical, mental and emotional well-being
“This year’s theme, ‘Longevity and Improved Systems’, is particularly relevant to the work of COSROPIN, and we recognise that people are living longer, but the systems that support them must also improve.
“Our healthcare, pension administration, social protection, recreational facilities and community support systems must respond to the reality of an ageing population because older persons should not have to struggle endlessly for the healthcare, pensions, respect and protection they deserve.
“This is why COSROPIN continues to advocate for policies and programmes that will make ageing in Nigeria a more dignified and fulfilling experience,” he said.
Senator Eze Ajoku appreciated the former Captain of TYB Golf Club, Major General Sunday Jiya, for generously sponsoring this year’s competition and for his continued interest in the well-being of veterans.
The COSROPIN President also expressed appreciation to the current Captain of the Club, Brigadier General Nicholas Ashinze, and the entire leadership of TYB Golf Club for approving and permitting the organisation to hold the golf competition.
In his goodwill message, the current Captain of the Club, Brigadier General Nicholas Ashinze, commended COSROPIN for sustaining the annual golf tournament and expressed the Club’s continued support for the organisation in its efforts to achieve its objectives of promoting the rights of older persons in the country.
Some participants at the golf competition described the annual event as a welcome development in promoting healthy living among senior citizens.
In his remarks, the Competition Secretary of the TYB Golf 2026 Competition, David Gabriel, also commended COSROPIN for organising the annual golf tournament for senior citizens and applauded all participants in the competition.
He said the Club was open to interested members of COSROPIN to strengthen the partnership between the two organisations.
Earlier, the Master of Ceremonies of the golf competition, Engr. Victor Garba, described the annual tournament as a welcome development that enables senior citizens to exercise and socialise, thereby promoting healthy ageing.
While commending COSROPIN for sustaining the golf competition over the past three years, Engr. Victor Garba advised senior citizens to develop an interest in golf and embrace regular exercise for healthy living.
The highlight of the golf competition was the presentation of prizes to winners and participants.