Foundation calls for legislations on elderly welfare

A non-governmental organization (NGO), Sunshine Foundation, has called on lawmakers in Nigeria to facilitate new legislations that would promote the welfare of elderly people in the country, especially by providing free healthcare for the over 60 years old Nigerians. According to the President of the Foundation, Barrister Rose Odiete, for the vulnerable old people in […]

A non-governmental organization (NGO), Sunshine Foundation, has called on lawmakers in Nigeria to facilitate new legislations that would promote the welfare of elderly people in the country, especially by providing free healthcare for the over 60 years old Nigerians.

According to the President of the Foundation, Barrister Rose Odiete, for the vulnerable old people in Nigeria to enjoy social benefits, more care and support, there is the need for more favourable policies and legislations by the government.

Odiete argued that the government must design and develop a system to protect them at this stage of their lives as the elderly become more vulnerable to certain old age challenges, particularly health and financial issues.

She cited, for instance that in majority other countries of the world, people above 60 years enjoy free healthcare services, free access to accommodation among other benefits, stressing that “Definitely, all these are the things our government here too should make provision for.”

At a seminar held recently to educate the elderly regarding their health, Odiete said, “For the annual seminar, we identify various areas of health challenges facing old people in the Nigerian society and create an interface between the elderly and the experts to proffer solutions. These are the things we do."