SSAP-SDGs seeks domestication of National Senior Citizens’ Policy by states

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has called on states in the country to consider the domestication of the national senior citizens’ policy at the sub-national levels.

Orelope-Adefulire, who stated this during a strategic partnership meeting with a delegation from the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), led by the Director-General, Emem Omokaro, said that it was imperative for the states to integrate the national senior citizens’ policy of the Federal Government to make lives more meaningful for elderly citizens.

Recognising the significant contributions and challenges faced by the elderly population, the SSAP-SDGs underscored the importance of comprehensive policies and programmes tailored to meet their needs. The call for greater attention to senior citizens comes amidst growing concerns over issues such as access to healthcare, social inclusion, and economic support for the elderly, which have been exacerbated by various socio-economic factors.

A statement by the Director/Head of Communications of the SGDs office, Rotimi Ajayi, quoted the SSA-SDGs as saying that efforts aimed at integrating the national senior citizens police at the sub-national levels were crucial, adding that the policies were geared towards the local contexts and effectively addressed the diverse needs of elderly citizens across different communities.

The statement read in part: “The SSAP-SDGs reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritising the well-being of senior citizens and called for collective efforts from all major stakeholders: the state government, local government, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector, and philanthropists, with a whole of government and a whole of society approach to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for the elderly population nationwide.”

It also quoted the Director-General of the Centre, Emem Omokaro, as highlighting the key initiatives being implemented to address the challenges faced by senior citizens in Nigeria.

Omokharo had listed the initiatives as including the Continuing Engagement Programme, Elder Justice Campaign, and One Community, One Senior Centre Initiative, while calling for collaborative partnership with the office of the SSA-SDGs to mainstream issues affecting senior citizens in Nigeria.

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