The Clean Hearts Support Foundation today held a significant meeting with the Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), focusing on collaborative efforts to improve the welfare of senior citizens across Nigeria.
The meeting occurred on Thursday, 22 November, 2024 at the NSCC headquarters in Abuja.
The session, which began with a welcome address by the Foundation’s National Coordinator, Hon. Uchenna Okorie, underscored the urgency of addressing the needs of the elderly population.
Accompanied by a four-member team, Hon. Okorie outlined the Foundation’s mission to uplift the quality of life for senior citizens.
“Senior citizens have become one of the most vulnerable groups in society,” Hon. Okorie stated.
He emphasized the necessity of partnerships to tackle challenges such as financial dependency on family support, which remains a primary income source for many households in Nigeria.
Abdulhamid Modibo, the Foundation’s Director of Administration, highlighted the neglect faced by senior citizens, noting that they endure harsher conditions amid economic struggles.
During the meeting, Zainab Zubairu Atta, the Foundation’s Head of Training, elaborated on key initiatives, including training programs for the elderly and caregiver certification programs.
“Older persons are invaluable members of our society, deserving respect, dignity, and care,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of sponsorships, medical outreach programs, and partnerships with the Ministry of Health to further their cause.
In response, the NSCC Director-General outlined the Centre’s ongoing projects to enhance the lives of senior citizens.
She emphasized the Centre’s focus on long-term care, quality assurance, and building a skilled care workforce through partnerships with universities.
“We are committed to ensuring dignity in all our initiatives for the elderly,” the DG remarked, highlighting efforts to provide essential equipment, employment opportunities, and support systems for aged individuals.
She also called for increased advocacy and capacity-building to foster sustainable impacts.
The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to develop collaborative strategies to address the challenges faced by Nigeria’s elderly population, ensuring their well-being and inclusion in society.
