Abuja – The Federal Government has been urged to provide a platform for the entrenchment and sustenance of the well being of older persons in the country.
Sen. Eze Ajoku, President, Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria, made the call during interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.
According to him, having a statutory body on matters affecting older persons will help to strengthen policies put in place.
He stated that having an institutional framework on rights of older persons would promote dignity, welfare as well as affirm their rights in the society.
The president of the group said the call was to awaken the consciousness of Nigeria on the plight of older persons in the society.
“It is to affirm and protect the rights of older persons in Nigeria as guaranteed by the Constitution and the law as seen in international community.
“There is need to advance, support and protect the welfare, wellbeing, dignity and rights of older persons in the society.
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“Again it is important to strive for the provision of quality healthcare for older persons, promote and foster links/network with similar organisations in the international fora.
“It is an endeavour to gain recognition and act as the appropriate and established voice of older persons in Nigeria’’, he said.
Ajoku added that the group would oppose every discriminatory and disadvantageous policy affecting the rights, welfare, security and dignity of older persons in Nigeria.
He said the group would continue to identify and promote wide ranging expertise as well as services provided by older persons in the society. (NAN)