Gov’t reassures resolve to support, protect elderly citizens from abuse

Stories by Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reassured elderly  citizens of support and protection from various forms of abuse, including neglect, physical, emotional, and financial abuse within the territory.

 FCTA gave the assurance  through the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, recently.

Fasawe, noted that under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, the FCTA is actively supporting elderly residents through initiatives like the “Renewed Hope Initiative Support for the Elderly”, which aims to improve their overall wellbeing.

She added that the Secretariat also supported the maiden edition of the initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, which provided free medical screenings for elderly persons in Abuja.

The Secretary, in an e-signed statement from her SA Media, Bola Ajao, disclosed that in support of elders protection, HSES plans to upgrade geriatric services, train frontline health workers to detect and respond to abuse, and collaborate with community and religious leaders to raise awareness and uphold the dignity of older people.

According to her, everyone  should answer the urgent clarion call to respect one another  especially older people in society, who daily face challenge stereotypes, and protect them from neglect and abuse.

She adds: “To report suspected elder abuse or make enquiries: 09164059609 geriatriccarehsesfct@gmail.com”.

Fasawe therefore urged residents, community leaders, and health professionals to value older citizens for their experiences and contributions.

She also advised the public to watch for signs of abuse such as unexplained injuries, fearfulness, sudden financial changes, and withdrawal and report concerns to the appropriate authorities.

She further called on federal ministries, NGOs, CSOs, and development partners to work with the FCTA in advancing policies that prevent exploitation, improve social inclusion and mental wellbeing, enhance access to care, and establish effective reporting and support systems for abuse cases.