A centenarian High Chief Josephine Ezeanyaeche, in a statement, has appealed to Federal Government to work out a framework to facilitate free transportation for senior citizens in the country.
Chief Josephine, who is also an activist, stressed that this would help boost peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
She made this known during a visit to the Amazing Grace Foundation Old Peoples Home on Monday in Kado, Abuja.
She said, “I am calling on the Federal Government, especially the legislatures to provide policy framework and laws that will empower senior citizens to have free transportation to their destinations.
“There is also the need for good road networks across the country, especially in the Southeast Geopolitical Zone because information has it that travellers to the southeast spent between six and eight hours between Asaba and Onitsha Bridge during the 2021 Christmas period.
“The authorities should look into tie issues of multiple check points in the Southeast region with the view of reducing them. The check points have been used to exploit the elderly.
“The Federal Government should also carryout activities that will boost peaceful coexistence among the different ethic groups that make up the country,” Ezeanyaeche said.
According to her, in times of crisis, it is the elderly that suffer the most due to their inability to run away from dangers and as a result, many of them are killed.
“I pray that war should not break out due to the condition of the elderly in Nigeria. We must live in peace with one another.
“During Christmas, Muslims should celebrate with Christians and Christians should also celebrate with Muslims during Sallah festivals as it is done in other parts of the world,” Ezeanyaeche said.
The 102-year-old is the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Voice of the Senior Citizens of Nigeria.