FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO ENSURING RIGHTS PROTECTION OF OLDER PERSONS- BETTA EDU 03-10-23
By Sadiq Aminu The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu says the Federal Government will continue to support the cause of Older Persons and ensure that their human rights are not compromised.
Dr. Betta Edu stated this at the commemoration of 2023 International day of Older Persons held at the United Nations House in Abuja.
The minister who said taking care of Older Persons was crucial and a task for all, commended the National Senior Citizen Centre for it’s collaborative efforts with MDAs in drawing the revised National Social Protection Policy for Older Persons.
The United Nation’s Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Schmale who applauded the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, reiterated the UN’s support in the promotion and protection of rights of older persons, especially those living in vulnerable situations, promising to make the Universal Declaration on Human Rights a reality for all Nigerians.
The Director General, National Senior Citizens Center, Dr. Emem Omakaro who noted that ageing is often accompanied by challenges and vulnerabilities, which can lead to human rights violations, called for a joint action by Government institutions and civil societies to end such negative impact on the older persons.
Dr. Omakaro maintained that effective promotion and protection of older persons in the country was non negotiable, focusing on their contributions and the knowledge and expertise they could pass on to the younger generations.
The theme is’ Fulfilling the promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons across Generations.’