As part of efforts to address the challenges facing the elderly in Nigeria, Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN) has called on the National Assembly to heed to the bill on the rights and privileges of older persons.
The group made the call at a rally to commemorate the international day of older persons.
The International day of older persons is commemorated 1st October of every year to raise awareness about issues affecting the elderly.
The rights and privileges bill, drafted by COSROPIN was passed by the senate and now awaiting concurrence by the house of representatives.
In his address, President of COSROPIN, Senator Eze Ajoku explained that older persons in Nigeria are subjected to stereotypes, abuse, neglect and denial of their rights.
He said “In Nigeria older persons have been excluded from developmental plans and initiatives, leading to the current state of older persons in Nigeria who have their health insurance withdrawal on retirement at sixty or have no health coverage”.
The bill when accented to, will address the social and economic challenges triggered by aging and the need for government to formulate policies that would incorporate the elderly and cater for their well-being.
The theme for the 2021 International Day for Older Persons is “Digital Equity for all Ages”.
Speaking on digitization, COSROPIN President stressed the need for access and meaningful participation of older persons in the digital word.
According to him, “many older persons today have the most expensive phones, some with 526 Gigabite. All they use such machines for are phone calls and WhatsApp if they know how to receive and send messages.
“As a Coalition, our members and youths and all children have a responsibility to educate and help the inclusion of all older persons in the digital world” he added.
Senator Ajoku further called for support from communities and the private sector on programmes that will elevate the consciousness of people about things that affects older persons.
