The Renewed Hope for the Elderly has called for expanded pension reforms, improved healthcare services and broader social protection programmes for Nigeria’s senior citizens, saying older persons deserve to live in dignity after years of service to the nation.
Speaking at a world press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, the Director-General and National Coordinator of the group, Dr Bode Olanipekun, said the welfare of elderly Nigerians should be treated as a national priority rather than an act of charity.
He urged the Federal Government to deepen ongoing reforms in pension administration and healthcare delivery to ensure that retirees enjoy financial security and have access to quality medical services.
“We are encouraged by ongoing conversations and policy directions aimed at improving pension administration and reforming retirement welfare to ensure that senior citizens enjoy greater financial security after years of dedicated service,” he said.
The group also advocated expanded access to specialised geriatric care, preventive healthcare and age-friendly medical services for older Nigerians.
“We welcome initiatives designed to strengthen healthcare services for older persons, including specialised geriatric care, preventive healthcare, wellness programmes and expanded access to age-friendly medical services,” he stated.
According to him, the organisation also supports the development of modern elderly care centres and community-based support systems that preserve family values while protecting the dignity of senior citizens.
He praised the administration of President Bola Tinubu for strengthening the National Senior Citizens Centre and introducing policies to improve the welfare of older persons.
“Through the strengthening of the National Senior Citizens Centre, the Federal Government has demonstrated a renewed commitment to creating policies and programmes that recognise the importance of ageing with dignity,” he said.
The group further commended initiatives of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, including programmes promoting gardening, subsistence farming and environmentally friendly activities among elderly citizens.
“Such initiatives not only provide additional income and food security but also promote physical activity, mental wellbeing and active ageing,” he said.
The RHE coordinator lamented that many elderly Nigerians continue to face neglect, poor healthcare and economic hardship after retirement.
“Unfortunately, for too long, many of these distinguished Nigerians have experienced neglect, inadequate social protection, poor healthcare, isolation and economic hardship after retirement. A nation that fails to honour its elderly gradually weakens its own moral foundation,” he said.
The group also called for age-friendly housing, financial inclusion and digital literacy programmes for retirees, post-retirement entrepreneurship opportunities and stronger legal protections against elder abuse and discrimination.
He reaffirmed the group’s commitment to working with government institutions, civil society organisations and development partners to ensure that every Nigerian can look forward to retirement with hope rather than fear.