Ex FIIRO board director leads call for Ministry of Aged Care in Nigeria

Stanley Ihedigbo

Former Board member, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) and Chieftain, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief  Dr. Ajayi Nicholas Adekunle Chidiebere, has called for the establishment of a ministry or commission for senior citizens in Nigeria.

Ajayi made this declaration while receiving an award from the Senior Citizens Association of Nigeria (SCAN) Ejigbo chapter for his selfless services to humanity and support for the elderly, during the 2024 International Day of Older Persons commemorated at the Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

Ajayi emphasized that a ministry for the aged would cater to their needs, similar to ministries for youths and women’s affairs.

He cited examples from other countries where such ministries have been effective in providing equitable aged care systems.

The National Senior Citizens Centre Act of 2017 has not been effective in supporting Nigeria’s elderly, Ajayi noted.
He vowed to sponsor a bill to the National Assembly to create a ministry for senior citizens.

SCAN’s National President, Elder Joseph Kayode Taiwo, and First National Secretary, Elder Mrs. Christiana Akitoye, also emphasized the need for respect and care for senior citizens.

The host Chairman, Ejigbo SCAN, Pastor Amos Johnson, said the association in Ejigbo has created an opportunity and a rendezvous for elderly persons in the area to come out and interact among themselves, play such games as draft, who, ludo, etc, as well as relish in their old time memories.

The association has drawn up a ten-point agenda to present to the government, including free medical care and transportation.

One of the awardees, Rev. Oritsenye Ochuko Enimigin, aligned with Ajayi’s call for a ministry for the elderly and encouraged youths to respect their elders.

Managing Director of Adejumo Tennis Club, Alhaji Bashir Adejumo received an award and emphasized the importance of teaching children to respect elders.

Nine persons were awarded as ambassadors, and six received awards as patrons and matron.

Those awarded are, Engr. Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson, Hon. Chief Ajayi Nicholas Adekunle Chidiebere, Rev. Oritseneye Ochuko Enemigin, Pastor Mrs. Stella Olaide Akhimei and Envangelist John Bankole Agunsoye JP.
Others are Alhaji Bashir Akinola Adejumo, Hon. Kehinde Oladapo Bamigbetan, Alh. Nurudeen Olalekan Okuleye and Elder Ezekiel Ayanyinka Onilude.