The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq has inaugurated the Board of the National Senior Citizens Centre in Abuja.
According to the Minister, “President Muhammadu Buhari’s signing of the National Senior Citizens Centre Act into law, paved the way for catering for the needs of the elderly through the establishment of community based Prototype systems, community safety spaces for the elderly, and leisure and day care centres, all of which have created opportunities for the private sector to participate.
“while taking steps to reduce poverty and ensure inclusiveness of most Nigerians to be productive, this administration has recognised the special needs of older persons as agents of societal development”.
Continuing,”It is in this connection that the Government made conscious effort to develop and implement productive activities, social protection and work schemes for senior citizens in order to improve the quality of life of the Elderly and ensure a sense of security and that a general feeling of Health and worthiness is extended to them”.
The Minister also announced the approval of the National Policy on Ageing to drive the process of mainstreaming emerging issues on older persons and facilitate additional laws to protect the rights and privileges of the ageing population in Nigeria.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali said that with the take off of the Centre, there will be greater improvement on the activities of the Older Persons in Nigeria and the Ministry will do everything within its powers to assist in the take off of the Centre successfully.
The Chairman of the Board of the National Centre for Senior Citizens, AVM M.A Muhammad, in his vote of thanks expressed his gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, for assigning them such dignified position and they have accepted the nominations to work for the progress of the centre.
The board consists of the following members;
1. AVM A.M Muhammmad -Chairman
2.Dr. Emem Omokaro – Director General
3.Mr. Sani Ibrahim Mustapha PTAD
4.Mrs. Bulus Friya Kimde – FMWA
5. Arc.Victoria Onu- COSTOPIN
6. Prof.Usman Ahmed- GAD
7.Dr. John O. Magbadelo- FMLE
8.Mr.Umar Abdullahi – FMWH
9.Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu-FMOH
10.Mr. Mansur Kuliya-FMHADMSD
11.Dr.Dorothy Nwodo -member
12.Prof.Mohammed Monday, Namadi – member
Rhoda Ishaku Iliya
DD (Information)
7th June 2021
