We’re determined to include older persons in policy formulations – Ambode

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday said his administration will continue to include the older persons in the policies and programme of his administration for the state to achieve positive growth and development.

Ambode spoke at the commemoration of the International Day of the Older Persons held at the State Government Secretariat, Alausa in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

This year’s theme is “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society.”

According to Ambode, the theme underscored the fact that the older persons were not just the reservoir of wisdom and experience, as they were the conscience of the nation.

“The theme calls for urgent need to tap into the experience and wisdom of the older persons for us to move forward as a state and nation in general. I made bold to state that no society will flourish where the wisdom and participation of the older persons is neglected.

“The government is doing everything possible to provide for the welfare and happiness of older persons, such as provision of free health care services, prompt payment of pension, provision of home for the elderly, among others. Arrangement has also been concluded for the establishment of modern Community Day Care Centres for the elderly in the three senatorial districts of the state for which land has been allocated in Epe, Badagry and Alimosho,” he said.

The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule urged older persons to continue to act as agents of of socialization of the cherished values, adding that values of honesty, hard work, decency, among others would serve as a bridge to keep the society alive and to maintain the age-long tradition for the promotion of unity and human development.

Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf  said that the older persons played critical role in the society as a powerful force for social cohesion and integration.

“As we face multiple challenges in our world, one factor remains constant; the timeless importance of this elderly and their invaluable contributions in raising the next generation of leaders is commendable.

“This is why the state government will continue to give priority to the welfare of the older persons and other vulnerable members of the state. The older persons deserve their pride of place in the scheme of things in this state,” she said.

According to the commissioner, “We must support and encourage them as well as tap from their wealth of experiences and wisdom and put them in the front burner.”

Prof. Wahab Elias, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lagos State University (LASU), in his lecture appealed to the three tiers of government to create an enabling environment that would enhance the capabilities and provide support for the elderly.

He pleaded with the media to continue to create awareness and sensitise the public on matters affecting the older persons in the society.