The Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN) on Friday announced plans for execution of projects as Elders Parliament and others.
Sen. Eze Ajoku, the President of the coalition, said this at news conference in Abuja on the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with International Federation on Ageing in Nigeria (IFAN).
Ajoku, who lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for making National Senior Citizen Centre (NSSC) and National Policy on Ageing (NSSC) a reality, explained that the projects were in accordance with their commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of older persons.
“A project designed to maximise, utilise the wisdom, experiences and network of elder statesmen with integrity.
“And pedigree drawn from various geo-political zones of Nigeria as an alternative conflict resolution and peace building mechanism for the nation.
“Currently, there exists children and youths parliament. The elders are the peace makers in communities, so that formalisation of national, state and LGA elderly parliament will give life and excitement to elders,” he said.
The coalition boss who asserted the potentials of elders, said that they were retiring retirements.
“Retirement Village, retire the retirement; retirements no more exist but change of job, residence and location.”
Ajoku said that retirement village was a mini-elderly entrepreneurial cooperative and industrial clusters powered by seniors from school, farming and library support services.
He however said that geriatric resource centres would, among others, be created aimed at incorporating the Geriatric Training Centres.
Mr Ike Willie-Nwobu, the Country President, International Federation on Ageing in Nigeria (IFAN), extolled the leadership virtues of Ajoku for championing the affairs of older persons.
Willie-Nwobu described elders as indispensable elements in the society, saying that neglect of their elders is tantamount to abuse.
He said that investment in the elderly was investment in the society generally.
“That neglect of the elderly reduces and minus national strength and productivity.
“That neglect of the elderly showcase extreme careless, distortion of our values and ethics.”
The IFAN boss however expressed optimism in the success of many projects with MoU.