As the world observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), Mrs. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), has reiterated the organization’s dedication to fostering a positive perception of aging.
The Director General stated that the NSCC remains committed to combating negative stereotypes, safeguarding the rights of older persons, and championing their right to live free from abuse, neglect, and discrimination.
The theme for 2025 WEAAD is “Addressing Abuse of Older Adults in Long-Term Care Facilities: Through Data and Action”.
Persecondnews reports that WEAAD, observed annually on June 15, spotlights globally the mistreatment of older persons and calls for action to uphold their dignity and rights.
Instituted by the United Nations General Assembly, WEAAD brings together advocates, governments, and communities to prevent elder abuse in all settings.
Akinyemi-Obe said at a June 13 media briefing in Abuja that since June 15 falls on a Sunday, the United Nations’ international commemoration of the day will take place virtually on Monday, June 16.
The virtual event, she added, will feature leading experts sharing evidence, best practices, and solutions to enhance protections and drive systemic change for older adults.
She said: “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NSCC is addressing the global theme of the 2025 WEAAD – “Addressing Elder Abuse in Long-Term Care Facilities: Through Data and Action” – through the lens of “Packaged Integrated Programmes” targeted at addressing the diverse challenges posed by the rapidly increasing numbers of older persons in Nigeria at national and sub-national levels.
“The NSCC is calling for action from stakeholders and experts in ageing and matters concerning older persons at national and sub-national levels to stem all forms of elder abuse in Nigeria.
“The organisation reiterates that any action or inaction by a person or persons in a trusted relationship or contract that causes harm and distress to an older adult amounts to elder abuse.
“Let me use this opportunity to remind Nigerians that elder abuse – with financial and psychological abuse being among the most reported forms – takes various forms, often with more than one type occurring simultaneously for individuals.
“In tackling this issue, the NSCC has initiated various programmes, including the establishment of Age-Friendly Services and Elder Justice Campaigns, media campaigns, community outreach programmes, and the creation of a toll-free line in partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) – 0800-CALLNAPTIP or 07030000203 – for reporting abuse.
“Furthermore, across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the NSCC has expanded the States Stakeholders Consultative Forums on Ageing, now mobilising 350 forums in each state and the federal capital territory.
“These forums are socially connected and engaged in community mobilisation, sensitisation on issues of elder abuse awareness and prevention, advocacy for domesticating the National Senior Citizens Centre Act, development of ageing policies, and plans of action on ageing.
“The NSCC is a unique forum in Nigeria where seniors work for seniors, addressing critical questions about healthy ageing, loneliness, depression, engaging in economic opportunities, and the evolving needs of older persons.”
The newly appointed DG promised that the Centre, under her leadership, will sustain its mantra of improving the quality of life and wellbeing of older persons and its intergenerational synergy, mobilising young advocates through Elder Justice clubs, with debates, drama, and multi-sector collaboration, which has helped mitigate negative stereotypes, prejudices, and exclusion of older persons from development agendas.”
She also said: “The Centre also works to mobilise public and private partnerships, focusing on creating awareness through information, education, and communication materials, as well as sensitisation programmes. It utilises media campaigns to educate the public about elder abuse and promote positive attitudes towards ageing.
“Community outreach initiatives are among the tools deployed by the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC). The NSCC conducts community outreach programmes on mental health and the prevention of elder abuse, violence, and neglect.
“The NSCC has mobilised and continues to mobilise public and private partnerships to address financial, sexual, physical, and psychological or emotional abuse of senior citizens.
“This year’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day theme highlights the importance of creating a society where ageing is honoured and older adults feel safe and supported.
“In line with this, the NSCC’s elder abuse awareness mechanism, through its Elder Justice Campaign, will be reinforced to foster dialogue and inspire action, creating a more just and equitable world for older persons in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Persecondnews reports that the Director General had paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, on June 13.
During her recent visit, Akinyemi-Obe, the newly appointed Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), emphasized the importance of her first courtesy call to the Minister overseeing her agency.
She stated her intention to seek the Minister’s support, advice, and intervention, highlighting the critical need for a thriving senior citizens’ center in Nigeria.
In response, the Minister, Yilwatda, acknowledged the significance of the President’s appointment of Akinyemi-Obe to such a vital role.
He noted that this appointment reflects the President’s profound respect for her capabilities to fulfill the center’s mandate, which is to care for the nation’s elderly.
Yilwatda pledged to collaborate closely with the NSCC, underscoring that partnership is a cornerstone of President Tinubu’s strategy.
He further stressed the importance of fostering inter- and intra-ministerial cooperation, as well as local and international collaborations, to achieve their shared goals.
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