Bashiru Dauda, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disabilities Matters, has expressed concerns over the inadequate funding of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), stating that it is hampering the agency’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities. He made these remarks on Thursday in Abuja during an event celebrating Nigeria’s older persons and their contributions to society.
Dauda emphasized that the NSCC is responsible for the care and welfare of senior citizens in the country. He also mentioned that the Older Persons Bill, which outlines privileges and welfare provisions for older persons, has passed its first reading in the House of Representatives. “The bill spells out issues on discrimination of the older persons, security of their income, old age benefit, and dementia issues which sometimes the aged pass through,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Salmat-Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Health, highlighted the disability challenges faced by many older persons. Anas assured that President Tinubu remains committed to the care of people with disabilities, including the elderly.
Anas also called on the NSCC goodwill ambassadors, unveiled after their inauguration on October 2, to actively fulfill their responsibilities in promoting the welfare of senior citizens.
