By Bilqis Mohammed
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Graphic Newspaper, Mr. Y.J. Itopa, has expressed his commitment to continue supporting the activities of senior citizens in Kogi State.
He made this statement during an advocacy visit from the Kogi State Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Ageing at his office.
Mr. Itopa, assured the forum of adequate coverage of their activities and encouraged them to approach other media houses in the state to increase awareness about their initiatives.
In his address, the co-chair of the forum, Chief Stephen Salawu, revealed that Nigeria celebrates the National Day for Older Persons every October 5th.
He disclosed that this year’s theme focuses on “Celebrating the True Value and Significance of Older Persons”, and aims to recognize age-friendly places and people who support the integral roles seniors play in societal development.
Chief Salawu, highlighted that the Kogi State Consultative Forum on Ageing is working towards domesticating the National Policy on Ageing and urged the Kogi State Government to operationalize laws that concern the welfare of older citizens.
He commended Governor Alhaji Usman Ododo for the regular payment of pensions to senior citizens and called on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), responsible for various programs aimed at alleviating hardship to consider the interests of older people.
Mrs. Eunice Abogun, the vice chairman in charge of research and data, explained that the association’s aims and objectives revolve around caring for and providing support to senior citizens.
She noted that the association is currently profiling data to ascertain the number of senior citizens in the state, which will facilitate outreach efforts to ensure they are reached at the grassroots level.
