Sadiya Umar Farouq, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, has restated the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the dignity of older persons in the country.

Ms Farouq spoke during a broadcast at an event to celebrate the maiden edition of the National Day of Older Persons 2022 in Abuja.

She said President Muhammadu Buhari instituted the day in 2021 to emphasise the needs and contributions of older persons to society.

“This is reflected in the inauguration of the National Policy on Ageing, the development of a ten-year strategic roadmap and National Plan of Action on Ageing that will enable sustainable sector-wide inclusion and partnerships.

“The ministry is determined to usher in an era of dignity, security, health, wellbeing and improved quality of life for senior citizens.

“These provide an opportunity to generate renewed momentum for international action to advance the ageing agenda,” Ms Farouq said.

In her welcome address, the director-general, NSCC, Emem Omokaro, appreciated Mr Buhari and the minister for making the day celebration for older persons a reality.

“This celebration also signifies that older people are included in Nigeria’s development plan, and the significance of their expertise and experiences can no longer be ignored,” Ms Omokaro said.

Also speaking, the chairman of NSCC’s governing board, Muhammadu Muhammed, said as the population grows older, there is a need to have a policy to make them remain active to participate in economic activities.

Nigerian Union of Pensioners, National Human Rights Commission, National Directorate of Employment, NAPTIP and other stakeholders restated efforts to continue to support NSCC to deliver on its mandate.

(NAN)