UNIDOP 2026: COSROPIN Promotes Healthy Ageing with Train Ride, Airport Tour

As part of activities to commemorate 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 train ride and tour of the International Airport, Local GAT and Presidential Airport of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for older persons in the Federal Capital Territory.

The train ride, which commenced from the Abuja Metro Light Rail, took the older persons through Kukwaba, Wupa, Bassanjiwa, Stadium and Idu, and terminated at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where they toured the Local and International Wings of the airport.

Speaking during the event in Abuja, the President of COSROPIN, Senator Eze Ajoku, said the essence was part of efforts to ensure longevity and rethink systems for longer lives for older persons, in line with the theme of this year’s celebration.

Senator Eze Ajoku, who stated that the train ride and tour of airport facilities were also aimed at enabling the older persons to socialize and network, advised them to always engage in healthy activities towards ensuring graceful and healthy ageing.

According to Senator Eze Ajoku, COSROPIN will not relent in promoting and engaging in programmes and activities that would improve the living conditions of older persons in the country.

“Many of the older persons were so excited for the train ride because some of them were not privileged to do so before, and even at the airport, they were so happy seeing aeroplanes on the ground for the first time in their lives, aside from the ones they’ve been seeing in the sky. This was indeed a memorable outing for them because they’re not part of privileged Nigerians who go by air and mentally they don’t understand how it happens,” he said.

In his words, “On Thursday this week, COSROPIN, in collaboration with GYB Club at Yar’Adua Barracks, will be holding a golf tournament for older persons who are 60 years and above, after which prizes would be awarded. On Monday, the 12th of October, 2026, there will be a football match for old people and another football team by 3pm at Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki, Abuja.

Finally, on the 15th of October, 2026, we’ll be having our usual road walk, asking people to be gracious to old people, be kind to them and give them their rights because they are the ones who harbour the history of this country, built this nation and are the memory of our archives. Therefore, older persons need to be respected,” Senator Eze Ajoku explained.

Some of the older persons who took part in the train ride and tour of airport facilities, Mr Kolade Bolarinwa, Hajiya Rakiya Abdulkareem and Chief Chukwudi Okoli, commended COSROPIN for the train ride and tour of airport facilities, noting that the event would remain a memorable one for them.

They used the opportunity to appeal to the Federal Government to put in place free healthcare and transportation systems for older persons to cushion the effects of current economic challenges among them.