The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen mechanisms towards the welfare and protection of senior citizens.

Emem Omokaro, the director-general of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), made this known in Abuja in his message to commemorate the 2023 International Day of Older Persons in Nigeria.

The day is celebrated every October 1.

The theme of the 2023 day is ‘Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons Across Generations’.

Ms Omokaro said this aligns with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by accelerating the implementation of NSCC’s innovative transformation. She also said the move would ensure a multi-sectoral approach and services designed to impact senior citizens’ quality of life and well-being, especially in rural areas.

“The NSCC is calling on governments at all levels and concerned stakeholders to reflect on the 75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its promises for all. 

“The commission also urges governments to examine issues of universality, inclusion, equity, solidarity and reciprocity across generations and how adequately the normative framework of the international and National human rights system,” she said.

Ms Omokaro appealed to all stakeholders to join the nationwide Elder Justice Campaign by the centre to address discrimination and violence against older persons and ensure their health and social inclusion.

Ms Omokaro also appealed to state governments to urgently domesticate the National Senior Citizens Centre Act 2017 by developing an action plan on ageing. She maintained that the state must provide a framework to integrate older persons and provide seamless synergy at the national, state and local government levels.

She added that the centre scheduled a series of events to commemorate the day as successive governments declared October 5 the national day for older persons.

(NAN)