According to Dr. Emem Omokaro, Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre, the Center is set to improve Nigerians’ life expectancy and make old age an enjoyable experience.
Omokaro stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
She stated that between 2015 and 2018, Nigeria was at the bottom of the Global Age Watch Index rankings because the country lacked the necessary documents and entities to qualify for the top spot.
“The ranking is based on the status and well-being of older people, as well as comparable data and indicators, such as life expectancy and well-being of older people, among many others.”
“How many people in Nigeria live to the age of 60, and if they do, how many are in good health after the age of 60?” How many people have access to health care and financial security?
“With the establishment of the NSCC, Nigerians’ life expectancy will be comparablely increased because we now have a National Policy on Ageing, a 10-year strategic plan document, and the legal presence of the NSCC to implement all of this.”
“Very soon, the life expectancy currently assigned to Nigerians will improve for the better, because with all of the programs we have, Nigerians will begin living longer.” “Old age/senior citizens would gain value,” she explained.
Omokaro stated that she is optimistic about the Centre’s ability to deliver because of the funding that is coming in and the goodwill of Nigerians and the government to see that the Centre fulfills its mandate.
She stated that it was time for the younger generation to respect and learn from the older generation because seniors possess wisdom that the younger generation can benefit from.