As part of its commitment to enhancing income security and promoting the dignity of older persons, the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has disbursed ₦6 million to six Senior-Led Cooperative Societies in Akwa Ibom State.
The grant, presented under the NSCC’s Income Security Initiative, was unveiled at a workshop on Elder Abuse Awareness, Elder Justice Advocacy, and the Economic Empowerment Initiative for Older Persons held in the state.
Each cooperative received ₦1 million to strengthen their economic activities across the art, craft, and agriculture value chains, aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods and encouraging active aging.
The benefiting cooperatives include:
- Mbiabet Ikpe Rice Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society
- Eyosung Community Multipurpose Cooperative Society
- Etimbono Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society
- Arise and Shine Pottery Multipurpose Cooperative Society
- Associate Elderly Citizens Multipurpose Cooperative Society
- Elderly Citizens Multipurpose Cooperative Society
Speaking at the event, NSCC Director General Dr. Emem Omokaro emphasized that the initiative seeks to recognize the inherent value of older persons, enhance their economic participation, and help them remain active contributors to national development.
“Our vision is rooted in protecting the rights and dignity of older persons while empowering them to remain visible, productive, and respected in society,” said Dr. Omokaro.
She acknowledged that despite Nigeria’s strong cultural traditions of respecting elders, modern-day pressures—such as migration and economic hardship—have led to increased neglect, abuse, and marginalization of the elderly. She reaffirmed NSCC’s commitment to addressing these issues through collaborative efforts with stakeholders such as NAPTIP, the National Human Rights Commission, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, the National Orientation Agency, and state governments.
The campaign also underscores that older persons are equal members of society, deserving of the same rights and justice as all citizens. Dr. Omokaro stressed that any justice system for older persons must begin at the family and community level and then extend to national frameworks such as rehabilitation and protection agencies.
To ensure inclusivity, the NSCC is working to translate advocacy tools and policy materials into local languages, making them accessible to older persons in rural and underserved communities. She also emphasized the crucial role of religious institutions, traditional rulers, and community leaders in safeguarding the rights and well-being of older citizens.
In further advancing elder care, NSCC is training and certifying auxiliary caregivers to support families and has rolled out community engagement tools—including drama, debates, and creative expressions—to educate youth on the importance of respecting and supporting older persons.
Meanwhile, the NSCC is urging state governments to domesticate the NSCC Act and take decisive steps to criminalize violence and abuse against older persons.
Representing Governor Pastor Umo Eno, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, commended the NSCC for its initiatives and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens.
“We have constructed 174 ARISE Compassionate Homes across the 31 local government areas, provided ₦50,000 each to 600 elderly persons, enrolled hundreds in the State Health Insurance Scheme, and are building a Senior Citizens’ Home in Ibiono Ibom,” she stated.
The governor further called on the younger generation to cultivate a culture of care, empathy, and respect for older persons, noting that intergenerational support is vital to national cohesion and development.
