By Ada Nkong
The newly appointed Director-General, National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) Mrs Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, has vowed to improve the welfare of Nigeria’s senior citizens.
Akinyemi-Obe made the pledge , during the hand-over ceremony at the National Senior Citizens Center in Abuja on assumption of office, Friday.
In her speech, with the theme, “Restoring Dignity, Enabling Purpose”, she appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for her appointment adding that it is a responsibility to honor senior citizens for their role in nation building.
“In line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are committed to building a compassionate, inclusive society.
“We will ensure that no citizen is left behind, especially those who have laboured through the decades to build this great nation,” she said.
Akinyemi-Obe promised to elevate the status of Senior citizens from minor to mainstream.
She commended her predecessor, Dr. Emem Omokaro, for pioneering leadership, and vowing to build on her legacy.
“We are not starting from scratch. We are building on a foundation of dedication and excellence,” she said.
Recognising the NSCC staff as the engine of progress, Akinyemi-Obe pledged to prioritise their welfare, enhance workplace conditions and foster a culture of innovation and recognition.
she said that caring for elders was a collective responsibility, and called on all sectors, government, private organisations, NGOs, faith-based groups, and the youth to key into the gestures.
On her part, the outgoing DG Dr Emem Omokaro gave account of her stewardship which she said had been quite eventful while pointing out key achievements during her tenure which include the first national policy on aging and the action plan.
“We built the systems and engagement mechanisms to reach stakeholders and older persons wherever they are.
“A particularly proud achievement was the launch of empowerment programmes and the rigorous needs assessment conducted across the country.
“We proved, with evidence, that older persons are still capable and contributing. There are published reports that now serve as blueprints for further action,” she said.
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