In a significant move to promote inclusive aging and enhance the welfare of senior citizens with disabilities in Nigeria, a strategic partnership agreement has been reached between the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, and the Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), Dr. Emem Omokaro. This landmark agreement was solidified during a courtesy visit by Hon. Abba Isa to the NSCC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, underscoring the administration’s commitment to the well-being of all Nigerians, particularly the elderly and those with disabilities.
A Shared Vision for Inclusive Aging
The meeting between Hon. Abba Isa and Dr. Omokaro was more than just a formal visit; it was a convergence of shared visions and mutual goals aimed at addressing the needs of one of Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations. During the discussions, Hon. Abba Isa articulated the alignment between the Centre’s eight-domain agenda and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places a high priority on the eradication of hunger and poverty, especially among marginalized groups, including senior citizens with disabilities.
Hon. Abba Isa emphasized the President’s clear directive to work closely with various stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), parastatals, subnational authorities, and development partners, to ensure that the needs of persons with disabilities are seamlessly integrated into national policies, plans, and programs. “We are here for a strategic partnership,” Hon. Abba Isa stated, highlighting the significance of inclusive aging. “We recognize the importance of this collaboration and believe it will significantly impact the lives of senior citizens with disabilities, promoting their active participation and social inclusion.”
Leveraging Resources for Greater Impact
The proposed partnership between the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities and the NSCC aims to leverage the resources and expertise of both entities to create more inclusive opportunities for senior citizens with disabilities. This collaboration is expected to facilitate the development and implementation of programs that not only improve the quality of life for this demographic but also ensure their active participation in society.
Dr. Emem Omokaro, in her response, acknowledged the profound intersection between special needs and the mission of the National Senior Citizens Centre. She commended Hon. Abba Isa for his tireless efforts in mobilizing stakeholders and advocating for persons with disabilities (PWDs), particularly noting his significant role during the Presidential launch of the Beyond Disability Project. “For a very long time, older persons were not regarded, just like PWDs,” Dr. Omokaro remarked, reflecting on the historical neglect of these groups. “We are grateful to former President Muhammadu Buhari for assenting to the Disability Bill and the Senior Citizens Bill, which led to the establishment of the Disability Commission and the Senior Citizens Centre.”
Addressing the Needs of an Overlooked Population
The discussions also brought to light the pressing needs of older persons with disabilities in Nigeria. Dr. Omokaro shared insights from a recent needs assessment conducted across six states and 54 local government areas, which revealed startling statistics about the condition of Nigeria’s elderly population. According to the assessment, a staggering 87% of older persons above 65 years have disabilities, with many of them being heads of households, living in poverty, and lacking access to adequate healthcare. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions that address the unique challenges faced by this population.
“We used to give out assistive devices to older persons with disabilities based on identified needs,” Dr. Omokaro explained. “Our recent studies show that over 27% of older women above 65 years are with disabilities, and over 80% of this population are widows living with disabilities and are poor.” This sobering reality highlights the critical importance of the proposed partnership, which is poised to address these disparities through comprehensive and inclusive programs.
A Collaborative Path Forward
Expressing her enthusiasm for the proposed partnership, Dr. Omokaro welcomed the idea of forming a joint technical working committee to oversee the collaboration’s implementation. She introduced one of the Centre’s flagship projects, the “Elder Justice” initiative, which falls under the Age Friendly Initiative, as a potential area for collaboration. The Elder Justice initiative aims to protect the rights and dignity of older persons, particularly those with disabilities, ensuring they are not subjected to abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
The visit concluded on a positive and hopeful note, with both Hon. Abba Isa and Dr. Omokaro expressing their commitment to working together to ensure that senior citizens with disabilities receive the attention, care, and support they deserve. The strategic partnership between the NSCC and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities is expected to pave the way for more inclusive policies and programs, ultimately improving the quality of life for Nigeria’s elderly population, especially those living with disabilities.
A Landmark Initiative for Inclusive Aging
This partnership represents a landmark initiative in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive aging and address the needs of its senior citizens. By integrating the needs of persons with disabilities into the broader agenda of the National Senior Citizens Centre, the collaboration seeks to create a more equitable and supportive environment for the elderly.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of an aging population, particularly one that includes a significant number of persons with disabilities, this partnership between the NSCC and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities offers a promising path forward. It is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of age or ability, are afforded the opportunity to live with dignity, participate fully in society, and access the services and support they need to thrive.
This strategic collaboration, grounded in the principles of equity, inclusivity, and respect for all individuals, is not just a step forward for senior citizens with disabilities but a crucial stride towards building a more inclusive and just society for all Nigerians.
