COSROPIN hails newly appointed DG of NSCC, calls for values for older persons

The Coalition of Societies for the Rights Of Older Persons On Nigeria, COSROPIN, has congratulated Mrs Omobolanle Akinyemi – Obe on her appointment as the new Director General, National Senior Citizen Centre, NSCC.

In a congratulatory visit to her at the NSCC Headquarters in Abuja, the President of COSROPIN, Senator Eze Ajoku, OFR,  described the appointment of Mrs Omobolanle Akinyemi – Obe as the new Director General as welcomed development.

Senator Eze Ajoku said COSROPIN had desired over the years to be a progressive partner to the Center pointing out that  the last administration of NSCC refused to work with COSROPIN

“We celebrate your new role, and we are hopeful and excited about the future with you at the helm of this very important institution because your appointment is not just a professional elevation but a sign of renewed hope for the millions of older persons across Nigeria who look forward to living out their later years in dignity, safety, and care” He said

According to him, the appointment means a lot to COSROPIN because the Coalition , weight the responsibility, and is aware that having the right leadership can make all the difference.

In his words “We are here today, not just to congratulate you, but also to introduce ourselves as partners in this journey.COSROPIN is a coalition made up of over 174 members of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), National Pension Unions (NUP), Retired Civil Servant Organizations, Retired Groups of the Army, Air force, Navy and Police, Care Givers and Care Institutions, Advocacy and Awareness groups”.

” Since our establishment, we have consistently advocated for legal, policy, and institutional reforms that address the unique challenges faced by the elderly in our societyThe truth is, ageing is something we will all experience if God keeps us and that’s why we’re passionate about creating systems that treat older people with the respect they deserve and we want to see a society where ageing does not mean abandonment, where elders are not reduced to charity cases, but are valued as living repositories of knowledge, culture, and strength”.

“Your Centre, the NSCC, is a beacon of that vision and we believe that with your leadership, and with collaboration from stakeholders like us, we can build a Nigeria where senior citizens are seen, heard, engaged, and cared for; not just in policy, but in practice”.

Senator Eze Ajoku appealed to Director General to review and implement the National Policy on Ageing to enable Government recognize the strategic partnership involving all stakeholders at all levels in its implementation.

“From our viewpoint, the National on Ageing implementation has been distorted in its current implementation and largely discarded thereby hindering effective and speedy dissemination of information and services to the older persons in the country ” the President of COSROPIN added.

Responding, the Director General of National Senior Citizen Centre, NSCC, Mrs Omobolanle Akinyemi – Obe thanked the leadership of COSROPIN for the congratulatory visit.

While acknowledging the advocacy efforts of the Coalition towards the welfare and wellbeing of older persons in the country over the years, the Director General promised to work with COSROPIN towards improving the living conditions of older persons nationwide.

According to her, there are over ten million older persons in the country out of which about four million are vulnerable hence the need to cater for their needs.

She therefore solicited the support of COSROPIN to the Centre towards reducing the challenges confronting older persons in the country.

The DG also promises to embark on practical outreaches to rural areas that touch the lives of older people instead of organising seminars and conferences that may not have any effect on them.

Mrs Akinyemi – Obe equally promised to work with the Ministry of Health  and other organs of Government such as SMEDAN to improve the quality of life and engagement of older persons.

She said the Centre work with COSROPIN to reach all the Governors so that their States could key  into the welfare and wellbeing of older persons.

While expressing the readiness of NSCC to set up  committees with COSROPIN to  plan and execute programs that will affect the lives of older persons, the Director General commended COSROPIN for its activities in the care of older persons so far and promised that with her and the Centre , they are now  a viable partner.

She therefore advised all to forget the past and look forward to a renewed hope for older persons’ care and protection .

On the COSROPIN Older Persons Bill awaiting the Public Hearing in the National Assembly, the Director General stated that the Centre will give every support to ensure the passage of the Bill.