Concerned by the lack of legislation and policy to make life meaningful for the elderly, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has expressed support to the proposed bill seeking to outline privileges, support and opportunities for the elderly.
Director General of the Agency, Dr. Garba Abari disclosed this when he hosted members of the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN) led by Senator Eze Ajoku who paid him courtesy visit at the NOA headquarters in Abuja.
Abari said the care for the elderly in our society should be a national concern for all, adding that the coalition of different organizations to address concerns of the elderly will provide a stronger voice for the domestication of the bill, both at the State and National levels. He said the coalition will also facilitate advocacy and sensitization to the grassroots, calling on all stakeholders, across private and public organizations, to contribute their quota towards improving the lot of the elderly in our society.
Pledging the Agency’s commitment to the cause of the elderly, the NOA boss said all messaging platforms of the Agency will be deployed to promote the elderly persons bill. “We will work with the coalition on this laudable initiative in line with national service”, he said.
Earlier, the President of COSROPIN, Senator Eze Ajoku said the coalition was formed to address issues affecting the aged, protect the wellbeing, dignity and welfare of elderly persons and also guarantee the rights of the elderly according to the Constitution.
Ajoku said a bill to actualize these objectives was underway for the elderly in the society to enjoy certain civic rights and privileges and called on NOA to add a stronger voice to this cause with its wide spread by taking the message to all nooks and crannies of the country.