ABEOKUTA — Older people in Nigeria joined their counterparts all over the world for the 3rd year anniversary of Annual Global Rally 2023 held in various communities in Lagos and Ogun State, through activites organised by Age Nigeria Foundation.
The global rally was held between 25th of February to 5th of March in Lekki and Epe communities in Lagos and Odogbolu and Ogere Remo communities in Ogun State.
Age with right campaign is a global rally organised by Global Alliance for the Rights of Older Persons (GAROP) in conjuncton with Age Nigeria foundation basically to draw support for the upcoming 13th Open -Ended Working Group on Ageing coming up in April, 2023.
Seminars were organised by Age Nigeria Foundation across the four communities to review the progress made by United Nations on the establishment of a new convention on the rights of older persons.
In attendance were government officials, representatives from faith based organisations, Non Governmental Organisations, academics, CSOs and Community Leaders and older persons.
The event which includes older persons creating awareness on Age with Rights during the one week global rally, some older campaigners adorned the beautiful T-shirts with bold inscription, Age With Rights Global Rally.
Alhaja Amusa, an older activist who was one of the main speakers at the event held at Lekki said, “Older people call on the Nigerian Governments through International Human Right Law to combat discrimination and ageism and make progress towards equality.”
“We want the Nigerian Government to adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation which will prohibit all forms of discrimination in all areas of life in Nigeria now and in the future.
“This law should establish the framework for promoting equality for older persons and put in place necessary enforcement and implementation”, She added
He further called on the President of Age Nigeria Foundation to convey their demands to the Nigerian Government and Nigeria representatives at the United Nations.
“We call on the President of Age Nigeria Foundation, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Oluwole to help ensure Nigeria recognize in our law, non-discriminatory obligations and support the UN Instrument that recognizes the right of older persons in Nigeria and all over the world”, she said
She also called on the Director General, Human Right Commission, Anthony Ojukwu, to support UN Open ended working group on aging slated for April, 2023.
At the event organized in Epe. The President, Age Nigeria Foundation. Mrs Oluwayemisi Oluwole, reiterated to invited guests and older activists present about progress made so far at the UN by Nigerian representatives to ensuring older persons fundamental rights are recognised.
Mrs Adegunwa Aderonke made a strong submission on Universal Health Coverage for older person and call on the Honourable Minister of Health for the establishment of well equipped and Age Friendly Primary Health Centers across various communities in Nigeria that will meet the specific needs of older persons.
Adegunwa said, “Universal Health Coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship.
“Therefore, we call on Mrs Oluwayemisi Oluwole, the President of Age Nigeria Foundation to convey our message to the Honourable Minister of Health for a functional Universal Healthcare Scheme in Nigeria and Age Friendly Primary Health Centers that will support our health and care need in older age across all communities in the country”, she reteirated.
Mrs Aduroja, A retired ASP In the Police Force and one of Age Nigeria Foundation campaigners was recognised by GAROP during last year campaign. Her submission for last year campaign was regarded as one of the most powerful speech and has made us to be recognized as a major force for our advocacy towards recognition of the rights of older persons at UN convention.
