COSROPIN Observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Advocates Legal Framework To Protect Older Persons

The Federal Government has restated its commitment towards ensuring the well-being of older persons in the country

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr Olusanya Olubunmi stated this in Abuja during a Walk and Sensitization Campaign organized by the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons In Nigeria, COSROPIN, to mark this year’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Mr Olusesan Olubunmi who stood in for the Minister of the Ministry at the event commended COSROPIN for its efforts over the years towards advocating for the well-being and protection of older persons in the country.

He said the present administration would continue to collaborate with necessary stakeholders in giving a sense of belonging to the vulnerable nationwide.

Earlier, the President of Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons In Nigeria, COSROPIN, Sen. Eze Ajoku, OFR said the annual observance provides an opportunity for government, communities, families and organizations to reflect on the challenges facing older persons and to strengthen efforts aimed at promoting their welfare and safeguarding their human rights.

He stated that World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is more than a symbolic event but a call to action that reminds Nigerians that every older persons deserves to live in safety, dignity and freedom from abuse, neglect financial exploitation and abandonment.

While expressing concern over elder abuse in the country, the President of COSROPIN said the Coalition would continue to embark on advocacy towards reducing the problem.

“In Nigeria, respect for elders has been one of our cherished cultural values however changing social and economic realities have weakened many of the support systems that once protected elder persons, increase poverty, unemployment, migration and breakdown of extended family structure have left many older persons vulnerable to neglect and abuse” He stated.

Senator Eze Ajoku therefore called for the strengthening of formal and informal system of protection towards recognizing the contributions of older persons to the progress of the society.

In his words “The Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons In Nigeria, COSROPIN, remains committed to the protection and promotion of the rights of older persons and will continue to engage the Government, Institutions, Policy Makers, Community Leaders and Developmental Partners to ensure that issues regarding older persons received the attention it deserved “.

He called on both the Federal and State Governments to accelerate the implementation of policies and programmes that would promote healthy active ageing in the country.

Senator Eze Ajoku also stressed the need for legal framework that would ensure remedies for victims of elder abuse adding that older persons should have access to justice and be protected against any abuse and exploitation.

Some older persons who spoke at the event called for more measures most especially in the area of healthcare packages for older persons towards improving their welfare.

Other speakers at the event promised their support to COSROPIN towards actualizing its mandate of promoting and protecting the rights of older persons.