The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has commended Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, for signing the Cross River State Senior Citizens Centre Bill into law, a historic piece of legislation focused on enhancing the welfare and rights of elderly individuals in the state.
In a formal statement, NSCC Director General, Dr. Emem Omokaro, referred to the legislation as a crucial advancement in protecting the rights of senior citizens, promoting their inclusion, and improving their access to healthcare, economic opportunities, and social services.
The statement, which was issued by the Head of Corporate Affairs, Media, and Communications, Mr. Omini Oden, lauded Governor Otu’s dedication to social inclusion and recognized the essential role that senior citizens play in the state’s development.
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Dr. Omokaro expressed hope that the Senior Citizens Center bill signed into law would create a strong framework to meet the needs of older individuals while enhancing their dignity and well-being.
She also reiterated the NSCC’s willingness to work with the Cross River State Government to ensure the legislation is effectively implemented.
The creation of the Senior Citizens Centre is part of broader national efforts aimed at improving the quality of life for Nigeria’s aging population.
Recall that in March 2025, the NSCC honored 50 esteemed alumni from the Hope Waddell Training Institution in Calabar during the institution’s 130th anniversary celebration, recognizing them as senior citizens in Nigeria.
At the event, the NSCC awarded the alumni the title of NSCC Distinguished Envoy for Intergenerational Learning and Youth Mentoring, highlighting the initiative’s alignment with the theme of the anniversary: ‘Glorious Heritage: Inspiring the Future.’
In her remarks, Dr. Omokaro further emphasised that the NSCC aims to connect senior citizens with volunteer opportunities that match their interests, enabling them to earn or supplement their income.
She urged the alumni to serve as ambassadors, stressing the significance of formal mentorship in promoting intergenerational knowledge sharing.
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