By Prevail Inegbenose
The United Nations International Day for the Older Persons UNIDOP, was marked in Abuja on Wednesday by Global Knights Foundation with lectures on how to keep older persons in good stead.
UNIDOP is a day set aside by the United Nations to celebrate older persons across the globe.
Top retired Nigerians in both the public and private sector were in attendance at the interactive session which showcased ways and means to take care of older persons in the Nigerian society.
The organisers are also planning to send an SOS to the National Assembly to initiate laws that adequately covers the needs of older persons in Nigeria.
In her welcome address, the Executive Director of Global Knights Foundation, Mrs Ngozi John-Uyah who just retired as a top civil servant gave vivid examples on how to manage older persons in the Nigerian society.
Narrating her personal experience immediately after retirement she said “I was taken off IPPIS and NHIS on the day I turned 60 years.
“I was lucky because I got all my entitlements within two months which is a record time.
“But the issue here is how can my my monthly stipends which can barely take care of my immediate needs.
“Like my son suggested that N300,000 minimum wage will be adequate but can this settle energy bills and feeding?
“Others also here suggested medical bills should be included for older persons but at this age we experience arthritis, high blood pressure how far can this stipend take care of the aged.
The keynote speaker, Psychologist, Wellness Expert and mind coach, with over three decades experience, Dr. Musa Bawa captured the essence of the interactive session using real life experiences to drive home his point.
He said:”We should thank God. One of the courses I teach is PMA, Positive Mental Attitude. Regardless of all the hula and all the wahala, we should be thankful and happy that we are alive.
“That we even climbed this flight of stairs to get here today shows that we are somewhat healthy. We thank God for that. Happy Independence Anniversary.
“There is a common African saying, that a village or town without an elder is like a well without water. Do you agree? Yes. More often than not, we wait until the elders are gone, and then we cry our hearts out.
“Then we tend to remember some of the things that we wish we would have told them. If we don’t take away anything from this meeting today, is the fact that at least you will take one actually good step. Even if it is looking through your phone, scrolling through it, call that one elderly person, older person, older than your good self, it doesn’t matter how old you are. I know here we say the age is 60, but I’m going to say that some are even aspiring for 67.
Also speaking at the interactive session, Chief Executive of ABG, Alhaji Garba Bawa advised Nigerians to eschew bitterness, remain honest at all times.
Alhaji Bawa who is over 84 years said for one to live long, one has to be honest and remain steadfast.
Former Managing Editor of The Guardian, Dr Fred Owhawha spoke in a similar vein advising Nigerians who can afford to travel around the world should venture into as it helps to relax the mind.