The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq has concluded the commemoration of the Older Persons with medical check-up and presenting of palliatives in Abuja.
According to the Minister, “the International Day for Older Persons, is a day to stand against ageism and to promote the development of a society that is hospitable to people of all ages, especially considering the higher risks confronted by older persons during the outbreak of the pandemics”.
Continuing, she said ‘we are gathered here today in unison with the global community to demonstrate our unwavering solidarity with our senior citizens to mark the event which expected to hold on every 1st of October, each year and this year’s theme: ‘Pandemics: Do They Change How We Address Age and Ageing’.
“The Ministry realizing this has initiated various programmes and activities towards healthy aging and promoting deliberate policy intervention in partnership with International, Religion and Sub-regional bodies to develop and implement programmes and projects that will ensure the overall well-being of the older persons”.
Furthermore, she said it is worthy to note that the National Policy on Ageing has been finalized, awaiting Federal Executive Council Approval, and also the creation of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development is another expression of the Government ensuring the protection of life and wellbeing of the Older Persons in line with the Ministry’s mandate.
The Minister made a truck donation of relief materials to the Older Persons. They include: 200 bags of 5kg rice, 200 pieces of wrappers, 400 pieces of bathing soap.
The event was marked with a match past by Older Persons and choreographic display by the Youths.
Earlier the Permanent Secretary, Bashir Nura Alkali who represented the Honourable Minister, in his address said the Grand Finale was part of the activities lined up for the celebration of the 2020 International Day of the Older Persons and to mark the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations and 30th Anniversary of international Day of Older Persons.
He said ‘we stand to limit our chances of achieving sustainable human development if we do not make conscious and sustainable efforts to recognize and appreciate the contributions of our Senior Citizens in the socio-economic development of the country.
In a goodwill message delivered by Hauwa Umar Jubril, she said the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has achieved so much in a short period by providing drugs, ambulance and building affordable houses for them is no doubt that life will be made easier for older Persons in the country.
The Director of Social Development, Dr. Dorothy Nwodo, while giving the vote of thanks, thanked the Hon. Minister and the stakeholders- NEMA, NAPTIP, NCFRM, NEDC, NSIP, SDGs, for making the day a success.
Others present were: Mr. Grema Ali Alhaji. Director Humanitarian Affairs of the Ministry, Hawa Umar Jubril Founder of Poseman Old People’s Home, Representative of the Ministry of Health Seidu Ahmed Danbuwal.
Adeyemo Felicia
For: Deputy Director Information
October 20, 2020
