UNAN President Calls For Inclusive Systems For Ageing Population

President of the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN), Oluremi Olutimo, has called for a renewed commitment to developing inclusive and sustainable systems that respond effectively to the needs of an ageing population. This call was made at a one-day forum organised by UNAN, in partnership with the Senior Citizen’s Association of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, and Ikeja Local Government. The event marked this year’s International Day of Older Persons, themed “The age of longevity: Rethinking systems for longer lives.”

According to Olutimo, as life expectancy increases, it becomes imperative to strengthen healthcare services, social protection, pension schemes, and community support systems. This will ensure that older persons enjoy not only longer lives but also healthier, safer, and more fulfilling ones. Olutimo emphasised that caring for older persons is not merely an act of compassion, but a shared social responsibility and a reflection of societal values.

Christiana Fagbemi, president of the Senior Citizen’s Association of Nigeria, noted that the event was ideal for celebrating the contributions of older persons to national development. She also drew attention to their welfare, healthcare, and social inclusion needs. Fagbemi stated that senior citizens remain a vital reservoir of wisdom and experience and called on the government and society to ensure they live with dignity, security, and respect.

Segun Fadeyi, chairman of the Senior Citizen Association of Nigeria, described the celebration as an eye-opener. He emphasised that it brought to his consciousness a category of people the society often overlooks in everyday activities. Fadeyi noted that older persons genuinely desire attention, companionship, love, and the opportunity to remain connected to society.

Fadeyi highlighted the theme of the event, “The age of longevity: Rethink systems for longer lives,” and said it challenges society to look beyond simply increasing life expectancy. He asked: “What kind of life are people living as they grow older? Are they living with dignity? Are they socially connected? Do they have access to healthcare, financial security, emotional support, and opportunities to continue contributing their wisdom and experience?”

Fadeyi described an average Nigerian senior citizen as someone who has lived through different seasons of life, accumulated experiences, and contributed to family and society. However, they may now be navigating a stage where support, attention, and inclusion are increasingly important. He stressed the need for the government to move beyond celebrating senior citizens occasionally to creating sustainable structures that protect their dignity and well-being.

Key stakeholders are advocating for strengthened pension administration, timely pension payments, and social protection programmes for older persons who have no formal pension arrangements. There is also a call for healthcare systems that address the needs of older people, including routine medical checks, geriatric care, affordable medication, and community-based healthcare services.

Key points

• UNAN President Oluremi Olutimo calls for inclusive systems for ageing population.
• Stakeholders advocate for strengthened pension administration and social protection programmes.
• Government urged to create sustainable structures to protect dignity and well-being of senior citizens.