FRIDAY April 25, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng
The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has disbursed a total of N6 million to six senior-led cooperative societies in Akwa Ibom State as part of its Income Security Initiative aimed at empowering older persons.
The grants were presented during a workshop held in Uyo focused on Elder Abuse Awareness, Elder Justice Advocacy, and Economic Empowerment for Older Persons. Each cooperative received N1 million to enhance their activities in the arts, crafts, and agriculture value chains.
The beneficiaries were selected following a comprehensive needs assessment, capacity-building sessions, and monitoring and evaluation exercises conducted across the state.
The six cooperatives include Mbiabet Ikpe Rice Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society; Eyosung Community Multipurpose Cooperative Society; Etimbono Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society; Arise and Shine Pottery Multipurpose Cooperative Society; Associate Elderly Citizens Multipurpose Cooperative Society; Elderly Citizens Multipurpose Cooperative Society.
Speaking at the event, NSCC Director General, Dr. Emem Omokaro, said the initiative is designed to acknowledge the value of older persons, promote income-generating ventures, and ensure that senior citizens remain active contributors to society.
Dr. Emem said, “Although Nigerian culture traditionally values and respects citizens, migration and work-life pressures have led to increased neglect, abuse, and marginalisation of older persons.
“NSCC is committed to addressing them not in isolation but in collaboration with other institutions like NAPTIP, National Human Rights Commission, National Orientation Agency, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, National Orientation Agency and the State governments to protect, empower, and support senior citizens across the country.
“The campaign emphasises that older persons are human beings with equal rights; they may have been born earlier, but they deserve the same level of respect and justice as anyone else”.
She further said, ‘Therefore, any justice system for older persons must start from the family and community level, then extend to national systems like rehabilitation agencies.
“There’s a strong commitment to working with older persons’ associations and translating policies and advocacy materials into local languages, making them accessible across diverse communities.
“In many areas, existing traditional systems already support elder care, and the goal is not to replace them, but to strengthen and complement them. Religious institutions, local councils, and other grassroots networks are also part of this broader support ecosystem that ensures justice and inclusion for older adults.
“NSCC messages highlight the role of religious institutions such as churches and mosques in protecting the rights and well-being of older persons. Since many Senior Citizens individually are more involved in religious communities later in life, faith-based organisations are key stakeholders in elder care. These institutions often hold greater influence and respect than government authorities within families and communities.
“The idea is to build a community-based ecosystem that includes families, religious bodies, and healthcare facilities, all working together to uphold the dignity, rights, and care of older persons. When each part of the community plays its role, the entire system becomes stronger and more supportive for the elderly.
“The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) is actively training and certifying caregivers (also known as Auxiliary Workers to help families better care for the elderly. This effort is part of a larger plan supported by His Excellency to build a skilled workforce and create inclusive elder care programs, including cooperatives and livelihood initiatives.”
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, represented by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, reiterated the state government’s commitment to the welfare of older persons in the state, citing several initiatives under his administration.
“We have constructed 174 ARISE Compassionate Homes across the 31 LGAs and provided N50,000 each to 600 elderly persons across all wards. We’ve enrolled hundreds of seniors in the State Health Insurance Scheme and are currently building a senior citizens’ home in Ibiono Ibom,” he said.
The governor also urged young people to show care and respect for older citizens in their communities.
NSCC Awards N6million Grant To Senior-led Cooperatives In Akwa Ibom
