The first edition of Gabon's National Retiree and Elderly Day (JNRPA) was celebrated in Koula-Moutou on October 1, 2026. The event began with a thanksgiving mass at the Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette parish, attended by local authorities, including the commune's mayor, Victor Ngouassanga. This marked the beginning of nationwide celebrations to honor retirees and elderly individuals.
Following the mass, the provincial agency of the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) in Koula-Moutou hosted various activities. The events were attended by Jean-Bosco Assingabagni, the governor of Ogooué-Lolo province. Landry Tanguy, the CNSS provincial delegate, welcomed the initiative by President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to dedicate October 1 to retirees and elderly people, recognizing their lifetime contributions to the nation.
Arcades Mboungou, speaking on behalf of retirees and elderly individuals, expressed gratitude to the head of state for dedicating a day to them. He noted that this gesture demonstrates the government's commitment to valuing those who have served the nation. However, Mboungou also called for an increase in retirement pensions to help retirees cope with daily living expenses, describing current pensions as "a spoonful of oil in a glass of water."
The ceremony concluded with the governor, Jean-Bosco Assingabagni, expressing satisfaction with the event's organization and the strong turnout of retirees and elderly individuals. The celebrations included artistic performances and a collective lunch, fostering a spirit of conviviality and recognition towards the elderly.
Similar celebrations took place in other parts of the country, including Tchibanga, where the day began with a thanksgiving mass at the Saint-Joseph parish. These events reflect the government's effort to acknowledge the contributions of retirees and elderly individuals across Gabon.
The National Retiree and Elderly Day was established to honor the lifetime contributions of Gabon's retirees and elderly population. With this initiative, the government aims to demonstrate its appreciation for their service and dedication to the nation.
As the country continues to celebrate this significant day, retirees and elderly individuals are expressing their gratitude for the recognition while also highlighting their needs, particularly regarding pension adjustments to ensure a better quality of life.
Key points
- The first National Retiree and Elderly Day was celebrated across Gabon on October 1, 2026.
- The celebrations included thanksgiving masses, ceremonies, and activities to honor retirees and elderly individuals.
- Retirees have called for an increase in pension payments to improve their living standards.
