Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), has emphasized the urgent need for increased focus on the welfare and progress of senior citizens nationwide. This call to action was made during a strategic meeting between the SSAP-SDGs and a delegation from the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), led by Director-General Emem Omokaro, PhD.
Highlighting the critical importance of integrating the national senior citizens’ policy at the sub-national level, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire stressed the necessity for more efficient implementation and support structures tailored specifically to the needs of elderly citizens.
Acknowledging both the valuable contributions and the challenges faced by the elderly demographic, the SSAP-SDGs emphasized the necessity for holistic policies and programs designed to address their unique requirements. This call for heightened attention to senior citizens comes amidst growing concerns regarding access to healthcare, social inclusion, and economic assistance, all of which have been exacerbated by various socio-economic factors.
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire highlighted the significance of efforts to integrate the National Senior Citizens Policy at the sub-national level. This, she explained, is essential for ensuring that policies are attuned to local contexts and effectively executed to cater to the diverse needs of elderly citizens across different communities.
Reaffirming the government’s dedication to prioritizing the well-being of senior citizens, the SSAP-SDGs urged for unified action from all key stakeholders. This includes State Governments, Local Governments, Development Partners, Civil Society Organizations, the Private Sector, and Philanthropists, all working collaboratively with a “whole of government” and “whole of society” approach to establish a more inclusive and supportive environment for the elderly population nationwide.
During the meeting, Director-General Emem Omokaro, PhD, outlined key initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges encountered by senior citizens in Nigeria. These initiatives include the Continuing Engagement Programme, the Elder Justice Campaign, and the One Community One Senior Centre Initiative. She further advocated for a collaborative partnership with the SSAP-SDGs to mainstream the issues of senior citizens into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework in Nigeria.