By Ameh Gabriel
The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) participated in the Citizens’ Open Forum and unveiling of the Senior Citizens’ Support Emblem held on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Organised by the Rivers State Senior Citizens Forum in Port Harcourt, the event brought together stakeholders to advocate for stronger measures to ensure inclusive and dignified participation of older persons in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Held under the theme, “The Silver Vote: Ensuring Inclusive and Dignified Participation for Senior Citizens in the Electoral Process,” the event event convened senior citizens, government representatives, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to deliberate on barriers affecting the participation of older persons in democratic processes.
In her welcome remarks, the President of the Rivers State Senior Citizens’ Forum, HRM, Barr. Georgiana Tenalo, emphasized the importance of sustained advocacy for the rights, welfare, and inclusion of older persons, while creating platforms that amplify their voices in national development and democratic participation.
The Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre, Honourable Omobolanle Akinyemi Obe, was represented by a high level delegation led by Mrs Yemisi Afolabi, Head, Finance and Accounts . In a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Director-General by Dr. Oluwatoyin Ore, emphasis was placed on the need for a democratic system that guarantees older citizens the opportunity to participate meaningfully, safely, and with dignity.
The Director-General also urged the Rivers State Government to domesticate the NSCC Act and establish a befitting Senior Citizens Centre to strengthen institutional support structures and improve access to programmes and services for older persons in the state.
Discussions at the forum identified key barriers confronting senior citizens during elections, including inaccessible polling units, prolonged waiting periods, mobility challenges, and inadequate voter education. Stakeholders advocated practical interventions such as accessible polling centres with seating and shaded waiting areas, priority voting arrangements, improved voter education through community channels, and enhanced support systems for elderly voters.
The event also featured the unveiling of the Senior Citizens’ Support Emblem, an initiative aimed at promoting greater visibility, inclusion, and societal support for older persons.
A major highlight of the event was the conferment of an Award of Excellence on Honourable Omobolanle Akinyemi Obe in recognition of her outstanding leadership and remarkable contributions to advancing policies, programmes, and strategic interventions that improve the welfare and quality of life of older persons across Nigeria.
The National Senior Citizens Centre reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with state governments and relevant stakeholders in promoting policies and initiatives that support the wellbeing, inclusion, and active participation of older persons in all spheres of national life.
This statement was signed by Abdulfatai Otori
Head, Corporate Affairs, Media and Communications NSCC
