2026 UNIDOP: COSROPIN Holds Veterans’ Golf Kitty Competition Advocates Social Security For Older Persons

In continuation of activities to mark this year’s United Nations International Day for Older Persons, the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria, COSROPIN, has organized a Veterans’ 9- Hole Golf Kitty Competition in collaboration with TYB International Golf Resort and Country Club.

Speaking during the competition in Abuja, the President of COSROPIN, Senator Eze Ajoku, OFR, said this year’s competition is the third consecutive year that COSROPIN and TYB Golf Club have come together to celebrate older persons through golf expressing delight that what started as a partnership has become an annual event which everyone looks forward to.

“Some may wonder why COSROPIN, an organization devoted to the welfare, dignity, protection and rights of older persons, is organizing a golf competition. The answer is simple. Our concern is not merely that people should live long, but that they should live those additional years in good health, with dignity, independence and happiness” He stated.

In his words ” Longevity without good health and quality of life is not what we advocate. We want older persons to remain physically active, mentally alert, socially connected and useful to themselves, their families and society”.

According to him, golf provides a wonderful opportunity to achieve some of these objectives and as they walk the course, exercise their muscles, concentrate on their shots, interact with friends and sometimes laugh ar their poor shors, they are doing something positive for their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

“This year’s theme “Longevity and Improved Systems” is particularly relevant to the work of COSROPIN and we recognize that people are living longer but the systems that support then must also improve. Our healthcare, pension administration, social protection, recreational facilities and community support systems must respond to the reality of an ageing population because older persons should not have to struggle endlessly for the healthcare, pensions, respect and protection they deserve. This is why COSROPIN continues to advocate for policies and programmes that will make ageing in Nigeria a more dignified and fulfilling experience”.

Senator Eze Ajoku appreciated the former Captain of TYB Golf Club, Major General Sunday Jiya for generously sponsoring this year’s competition and for his continued interest in the well-being of veterans.

The President of COSROPIN also expressed appreciation to the current Captain of the Club, Brigadier General Nicholas Ashinze and the entire leadership of TYB Golf Club for approving and permitting the Organization to hold the golf competition

In his goodwill message, the Current Captain of the Club, Brigadier General Nicholas Ashinze commended COSROPIN for the annual golf tournament and expressed the Club’s continuous support to the Organization towards realizing its objectives in the promotion of rights of older persons in the country.

Some participants at the golf competition described the annual event as a welcomed development in promoting healthy living among senior citizens.

In a remark, the Competition Secretary, TYB Golf 2026 Competition, David Gabriel who also commended COSROPIN for the annual golf tournament for senior citizens applauded all participants in the competition.

He said the Club is open for interested members of COSROPIN towards strengthening the partnership among the two Organizations.

Earlier, the Master Ceremony of the Golf Competition, Engr. Victor Garba described the annual golf competition as a welcomed development for senior citizens to exercise themselves, socialize thereby promoting healthy ageing among them.

While equally commending COSROPIN for sustaining the golf competition in the last three years, Engr. Victor Garba advised senior citizens to develop interest in the game of golf and embrace regular exercise for healthy living.

Highpoint of the golf competition was the presentation of prizes to winners and participants