By Gabriel Ameh
Abuja, October 14, 2025 — In a renewed commitment to inclusion and social protection, the Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), Hon. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, on Monday paid a courtesy visit to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in Abuja.
The visit marks a significant step toward deepening collaboration between both agencies, with a shared vision of improving the quality of life for older persons living with disabilities across Nigeria.
During the meeting, Hon. Akinyemi-Obe emphasized the NSCC’s mission to ensure that senior citizens, especially those with disabilities, are not left behind in national development plans. She noted that as Nigeria’s ageing population grows, it is crucial to integrate disability inclusion into senior citizens’ welfare programmes.
“This visit represents more than an institutional engagement; it is a call to action. We must design and implement policies that guarantee dignity, accessibility, and care for elderly persons with disabilities. They have served this nation and deserve to live fulfilled lives,” she stated.
Receiving the NSCC delegation, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Mr. James David Lalu, commended the NSCC for its proactive efforts in promoting the welfare of older citizens. He expressed readiness for closer collaboration, highlighting that many older Nigerians face overlapping challenges of ageing and disability, which require a coordinated national response.
“Our goal is shared to create an inclusive Nigeria where age or disability is not a barrier to social participation. The NCPWD looks forward to working with the NSCC on data sharing, accessibility audits, and inclusive community programmes,” Lalu affirmed.
Both agencies agreed to set up a joint technical working group to develop frameworks that will enhance access to healthcare, social welfare, and empowerment initiatives for older persons with disabilities.
The courtesy visit underscores the federal government’s broader agenda on social inclusion and protection, aligning with the National Policy on Ageing and the Disability Act, which advocate for equal opportunities and dignity for all citizens.
The collaboration between the NSCC and NCPWD is expected to produce tangible policy outcomes, particularly in areas such as geriatric care, social support systems, accessibility to public infrastructure, and economic empowerment for senior citizens.
