…Celebrates 2023 National Senior Citizens Day in Ilorin
The founder of De-Pal Care Foundation (DPCF), Hajiya Asma’u Yusuf, has called on Governments at all levels to beam their searchlights to the wellbeing and upkeep of the aged people in the country for them to live a peaceful and healthy life.
Hajia Yusuf made the call during the 2023 National Senior Citizens Day celebration held at the Kwara State Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ilorin.
She appealed to the President and other state governors to as a matter of priority come up with policy on welfare of the aged in the society.
According to her, taking good care of older citizens is a task that must be encouraged and carried out by all and sundry.
She expressed joy that National Senior Citizens Centre has been established at the national level to see to the needs of the older people, adding that:” Kwara State is in the process of signing same into law”.
” I am happy to bring to your notice that government, individuals and NGOs like us have series of programmes designed to help our elderly ones live a long healthy life, such as provision of health insurance, nursing home, older people day care, activities centre for seniors, adult literacy classes, food and healthcare palliatives for the senior citizens.
“It is in the light of the foregoing that the DPCF deemed it necessary to partner with the state government, organisations and individuals to bring our seniors together to celebrate this year’s National Senior Citizens Day’.
In her address, the representative of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Alhaja Biliqees Oladimeji, urged the senior citizens to devote more time to religious activities.
Hajiya Asma’u Yusuf
She also enjoined them to help the society mould the young ones by tutoring them on morals and acceptable lifestyles.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Kwara state Ministry of Social Development, Mrs Rebecca Olanrewaju, who was represented on the occasion by a Director in the ministry, Mr James Kayode, advised the senior citizens to always take good care of their health.
She recommended four principles to embrace by the older folk that will make them live happily and age gracefully.
The principles according to him, include emotional stability, helping others, self confidence and developing positive attitude towards making friends.
Mrs Olanrewaju reminded the senior citizens on indices to age gracefully which include emotional stability, friendliness, self confidence and contributing to purpose of life.
Also speaking, the secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in Kwara state, Mr Abraham Gana, urged Nigerians, especially the young ones, to always feel free to relate and consult with elders in their various domains for advice and positive counsel so as to tap from their wealth of experiences.
The event, however, also featured health talks to enlighten the participants on how best to take good care of their health and live a healthy life.
Ends
