FG, SMEDAN partner to tackle poverty among Nigeria’s senior citizens
The Federal Government said it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to strengthen the capacity of older persons in poverty reduction.
Emem Omokaro, the Director-General, National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), disclosed this on Thursday in a statement signed by his Media aide, Omini Oden, in Abuja.
She said that the agreement was specifically designed to enhance the ability of older persons to engage in entrepreneurial ventures to ensure poverty reduction and job creation to guarantee sustainable livelihoods.
According to Mrs Omokaro, “the partnership with SMEDAN is a purposeful vehicle that will change negative stereotypes and discrimination against the persons aged from 60 years and above.
“Especially, in the discourse of business development and financial inclusion in Nigeria.
“This MoU will promote financial independence and autonomy of older persons, encourage their healthy and active life style as well as psycho-social harmony for older persons through poverty reduction among senior citizens.
“It will also provide technical support to enable senior citizens access human development services and micro-finance for livelihood development programmes.”
She said the event marked the beginning of a forward leaning partnership where parties could be engaged in meaningful discussions to deliver on the expected targets.
“Where both parties will apply their best to build capacities to understand their intersections in mandates to delivery and set up focal desk officers by identifying, collating and submitting details of potential senior citizens beneficiaries.
“It is also meant to develop livelihood programmes that align with already existing SMEDAN programmes to mainstream senior citizens.”
Mrs Omokaro said the two agencies were determined to promote positive changes needed to address perceptions about aged people in the country.
“Especially, the economic development opportunities by investing to enhance the capacities of senior citizens as well as develop and maintain a National Database Management System on older persons.
“As well as to conduct researches for evidence-based policies to strengthen NSCC’s multi-sectoral intervention planning, implementation and coordination capacity,” she added.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Politics
Gov Akeredolu incapacitated, should hand over to Deputy Governor Aiyedatiwa: SDP
“We implore Governor Akeredolu to safeguard his hard-earned reputation by handing over to his deputy in an acting capacity until he is capable of handling the state’s business.”
NationWide
Tinubu signs bill on new retirement age, pension rights for judicial officers
The bill seeks to ensure uniformity in the retirement age and pension rights of judicial officers of all superior courts of record.
Sport
Muchova upsets Sabalenka to reach French Open final
The unseeded Czech fought back from 5-2 down in the deciding set to claim a 7-6 (5) 6-7 (5) 7-5 victory in a three hours and 13 minutes contest.
NationWide
NiMet predicts three-day cloudiness, thunderstorm from Friday
NiMet predicted cloudy skies over the northern region in the morning hours with prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Gombe and Yobe states.
Politics
PDP calls for transfer of Ogun, Nasarawa election tribunals to Abuja
The party’s call was due to attacks on its members at governorship election petition tribunal premises in Ogun, Nasarawa, Kaduna.
Opinion
Azu Ishiekwene: What does it mean to be a father today?
On this Father’s Day, for example, if you’re nice, your son might even offer you a bottle of beer! The mere thought of it would make my father turn in his grave.
