Join our Telegram group and receive breaking and trending news updates directly on your phone.
Join for News Updates âś•
,,,,Stresses Need for Institutionalization of Elderly Care.
By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
The Kogi State Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Ageing (KG-SCFOA) held a one-day inaugural engagement session in Lokoja to commemorate the International Day of Older Persons with a clarion call on the state government to institutionalize care for the welfare of the elderly in the state.
In a communique from the event,with the theme “Celebrating Our Senior Citizens – The Time to Care is Now,”and a copy available to The Reporters on Sunday,stakeholders, advocates, and senior citizens highlighted the imperative of addressing the needs of the elderly in Kogi State.
The communique underscored the urgency of institutionalizing support systems for older residents with six key initiatives aimed at creating a safer, more supportive environment for Kogi’s senior citizens
The stake holders said that these initiatives became necessary to ensure dedicated care for the elders and stressed the need for a specialized agency with appointed officers to manage and implement policies supporting welfare of the elderly .
They also called for leveraging local government autonomy given the fact that the majority of senior citizens live in rural areas,in order for local government autonomy to allocate resources specifically for elder care, tailoring support to each community’s unique needs.
The communique also emphasized the need for mobile clinics for accessible healthcare to bring essential healthcare services directly to the elderly in remote areas and ensure that this of people have access to medical attention where it is most needed.
The participants also called for collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and highlighted the need to map out and collaborate with CSOs that focus on ageing issues. They expressed optimism that such collaboration would help collect crucial data to better understand and address the needs of the elderly population.
The forum also underscored the importance of a health insurance scheme, specifically designed for senior citizens that will ensure healthcare access and financial security.
Participants at the event called on public institutions to prioritize senior citizens in banks, hospitals, and other crowded settings, reinforcing respect and dignity for older persons and resolved to ensure further advocacy and implementation of programmes for the elderly in the state.
To actualise this cause, KG-SCFOA said it planned to meet with the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo to present to him, the collective needs of senior citizens and seek his support.
The stake holders also stressed the need for the kogi state government to fully activate its Agency for Social Security and Protection of Older Citizens Law, enacted several years ago but yet to be operationalized.
The KG-SCFOA praised the Kogi State Government for its ongoing pension payments to retirees, but advocated for an increase in gratuity payments to alleviate financial strains faced by the elderly amid rising economic challenges.
The elderly expressed commitment to make Kogi State a leader in elderly care while the Co-Chair, High Chief Stephen Salawu, expressed deep gratitude to patrons, organizations, and individuals who supported the inaugural event.
“Together, we must ensure a future where every senior citizen in Kogi State is valued, respected, and cared for.
“The message of the day is clear: the time to care is now, and Kogi’s senior citizens must remain a priority, Chief Salawu, KG-SCFOA stressed.
Strategic Media Partnership for Growth and Reputation: Introducing The Reporters
The Reporters is a dynamic online news publication committed to delivering credible, timely, and impactful journalism across Nigeria and beyond. With a strong foundation in professional reporting and editorial integrity, the platform focuses on social, economic, political, and human development issues that shape public discourse. Backed by decades of journalistic experience, The Reporters offers a trusted voice that informs, educates, entertains, and influences a diverse and engaged audience.
For members of the business community, The Reporters provides a strategic platform to enhance visibility, build brand credibility, and connect with target markets. Through well-crafted news, features, interviews, sponsored content, and digital amplification, businesses can showcase their products, services, and innovations to a wider audience. This engagement not only drives patronage but also positions organisations as key contributors to economic growth and development.
Political actors and aspirants also stand to benefit significantly from partnering with The Reporters. As the 2027 elections approach, the platform offers an opportunity for politicians to effectively communicate their vision, programmes, and track records to the electorate. Through balanced profiling, issue-based coverage, and reputation management content, The Reporters helps shape public perception and strengthens candidates’ connection with voters.
Beyond visibility, The Reporters plays a crucial role in image laundering and perception management, presenting clients in a favourable, credible, and issue-driven light while maintaining ethical standards. By highlighting achievements, clarifying controversies, and projecting leadership qualities, the platform supports politicians in building trust and acceptance among constituents, which are critical assets in any electoral contest.
Engaging with The Reporters is therefore not just about publicity, it is about strategic communication for mutual benefit. Partners gain access to a credible media channel with the wide reach of The Reporters while it continues to fulfill its mandate of promoting development-oriented narratives. We invite stakeholders in both business and political spheres to collaborate with us in shaping informed opinions, driving growth, and advancing democratic engagement.
Prospective clients can reach us via WhatsApp: 08032901058 or email: ahmeddada008@gmail.com.
- Management
