By Peters Oduma
The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has called for urgent electoral reforms to guarantee safe, dignified, and inclusive participation of older Nigerians in the country’s democratic process.
The call was made during the Citizens’ Open Forum and unveiling of the Senior Citizens’ Support Emblem held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, under the theme: “The Silver Vote: Ensuring Inclusive and Dignified Participation for Senior Citizens in the Electoral Process.”
The event, organised by the Rivers State Senior Citizens Forum, brought together senior citizens, government officials, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to discuss challenges affecting elderly participation in elections and governance.
Speaking at the forum, the Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre, Honourable Omobolanle Akinyemi Obe, represented by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs Yemisi Afolabi, stressed the need for a democratic system that allows older citizens to vote and participate without barriers or discrimination.
The NSCC also urged the Rivers State Government to domesticate the NSCC Act and establish a functional Senior Citizens Centre to strengthen support systems and improve access to welfare programmes for elderly residents in the state.
In her welcome address, President of the Rivers State Senior Citizens Forum, HRM Barrister Georgiana Tenalo, highlighted the importance of sustained advocacy and policies that protect the rights, welfare, and inclusion of older persons in national development.
Stakeholders at the forum identified several challenges confronting senior citizens during elections, including inaccessible polling units, long waiting hours, mobility difficulties, and poor voter education.
Participants recommended practical measures such as priority voting for elderly persons, accessible polling centres with seating and shaded areas, improved voter awareness campaigns, and stronger support systems for senior citizens during elections.
The event also featured the unveiling of the Senior Citizens’ Support Emblem, an initiative aimed at promoting visibility, inclusion, and societal support for older persons across Nigeria.
A major highlight of the gathering was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Honourable Omobolanle Akinyemi Obe in recognition of her leadership and contributions toward advancing policies and programmes that improve the wellbeing of older Nigerians.
The NSCC reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with governments and stakeholders to promote policies that support the welfare, inclusion, and active participation of senior citizens in all aspects of national life.
