BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – For the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), it is thumbs up for Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State for assenting to bill establishing the centre in the state.
The NSCC said the landmark legislation by the Cross River State House of Assembly (CRSHA) marks an important milestone in promoting the welfare of Senior Citizens in the South-South state.
According to the Director General of NSCC, Dr Emem Omakaro, the new law will guarantee the protection of the rights and privileges of older persons, especially as it relates to inclusiveness in the decision making process and affordable access to health care delivery system.
A statement signed by the Centre’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Media and Communication, Comrade Omini Oden, quoted the Director General as stating that the law would encourage Senior Citizens in the state to participate actively in matters concerning a transformational approach toward ensuring good governance.
Dr Omakaro also commended Governor Otu for his visionary leadership style and commitment to social inclusiveness, given his appreciation of the role Senior Citizens can play in nation building.
While assuring that the Centre would partner with the State government to ensure the smooth implementation of the Act’s guidelines in line with the People’s First Agenda of Governor Otu, the NSCC boss expressed the hope that the law would provide a framework for addressing the needs and concerns of Senior citizens, particularly in terms of their dignity and overall well-being.
Established under the National Citizens Center Act 2017, the NSCC is an agency of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development with the mandate to identify the needs of senior citizens and to cater for them.
This is the first distinct national corporate body with focus on social inclusion of senior citizens in sustainable development and the improvement of the quality of living and well-being for self fulfillment.
It is to “identify opportunities for trainings to enhance capacities of senior citizens, initiate, facilitate and implement educational, health and social programs, productive activities and work schemes in order to provide income or otherwise supplement earnings of senior citizens.”
Also, the Centre is to ensure the “provision of recreation, sports and counseling programs, all aiming to enhance dignity, independence, security and care of Nigeria’s senior citizens.”
