By Albert Akota
The Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre, (NSCC) Dr. Emem Omokaro has said that the body has used two years in laying solid structures, designing programs as well building partnerships for the betterment of older persons in Nigeria.
Dr. Omokaro who disclosed this at the weekend during maiden media luncheon in Abuja, emphasized that the coming year is going to see a rollout of so many of these programs for the betterment of older persons.
According to her, “We are really looking forward in engaging the Governor’s Forum and then finding the focal points in the states.
Since we cannot put up state offices, we will find focal points in their State Assembly and their Executive arms to ensure that they understand the vision and they can also be passionate about including their older people.
“We have gained so much in our partnership with NDE, SMEDAN and other partners. It is now for us to leverage on their nationwide structures and then increase the tempo of our penetration into the states to reach out to older persons as fast as possible.
“I also look forward to our care quality assurance, seeing us roll out the national benchmark and minimum curricular for training, certifying and registering care agencies, caregivers and then rolling out this agency model where these agencies and caregivers can be sent to homes”, she stated.
She noted that having been able to mainstream geriatric social care into the national skills framework which has now made it a skill that is classified and recognized, the Agency is really looking forward to rolling that out so as to get quality care to older citizens.
She also recognized the efforts of the media in promoting the activities of the Agency, as well as bringing issues affecting older persons to the forefront.
The DG used the opportunity to award the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) for its partnership with the Agency by providing a platform to ensure smooth and easy broadcast of NSCC’s activities to Nigerians and the world at large.
Meanwhile, Media practitioners present took turns to laud the Agency and the DG for her tenacity and resilience in promoting the issues of older persons and engaging their skills even after retirement.
She adding that the efforts of NSCC will help older persons to remain relevant in the society long after retirement.
