Abuja -The Graceful Ageing Fellowship (GRAF) has tasked policy makers on laws that would ensure social security for vulnerable senior citizens across the country.
The group, an Abuja-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that provides for the aged in the society, made the call during its 6th Anniversary Seminar recently held in Abuja.
A communiqué signed by a GRAF official, Dr Goddy Edoziem, highlighted the plight of the aged, suggesting that laws would address their pathetic situation.
It stated that “we know currently that the aged in Nigeria are abandoned both by their family members and by the very nation and government they served.
“We are concerned that there is no legislation or structural framework to care for the aged population.’’
The group noted that its concern stemmed from the non-utilisation of the huge human resources, talents of healthy and active senior citizens, as well as conditions pensioners were subjected to, among others.
It stated that participants at its 6th seminar deliberated and proffered solutions to the plight of the aged, which included the establishment of an Ageing Commission to carter for their needs.
Participants also called for an all-inclusive health insurance and a sustainable pension scheme for the aged.
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GRAF said the care for the aged was the responsibility of all, but called for a Coalition of Civil Society Organisations on ageing to drive the agenda.
It noted that former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, represented by Prof. Tunde Adeniran, Dr Tim Menakaya, and Sen. Eze Ajoku attended the seminar. (NAN)
