The Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN) has called for a law that will ensure the rights of older persons are upheld in the country.
The President of the coalition, Sen. Eze Ajoku, made the call in an interview in Abuja on Wednesday, in commemoration of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
WEAAD is annually marked on June 15 to raise awareness on challenges of older persons.
The day is also to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes associated with elder abuse and neglect.
Ajoku said the coalition last year midwived the Older Persons Rights and Privileges Bill, sponsored by Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi, and passed by the National Assembly to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent
He added that the bill, if signed into law, would guarantee legal protection for older persons in the country.
He said “the main substance of the bill is prohibition of abuse and discrimination against older persons.
“Part one section one of the law makes it a crime for any person to discriminate against any person on account of age or disability.”
The COSROPIN boss, who restated the commitment of the group to enhance the quality of life of older persons, said that the bill would also help to reduce corruption.
He explained that some civil servants engage in corruption out of fear of lack of care after retirement.
According to him, some civil servants at the age of 58 may see corruption as the only way to acquire money for the retirement, with fear that no one may care for them.
Mrs Victoria Onu, the Secretary General of the coalition, advocated for elder care and love by all, especially from the younger generation.
Onu called on corporate organizations, particularly banks, to prioritize care of older persons in their services.
The secretary general, who said that the focus of the WEAAD is to provide opportunities for communities to promote understanding of abuse against older persons, said the time is now.
According to her, elder abuse is one of the least investigated types of violence and does not get addressed in national action plans as frequently key social issues.
