Chinedum Elekwachi
Global Rights has expressed concerns over apparent neglect of the aged by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other non-governmental bodies in their policies and programmes.
It noted that while the children, youths and women are captured in the activities of these organisations, the elderly are overlooked most times.
Speaking at a two-day training on Nonprofit Regulatory Compliance for members of Community of Practice on Civic Space Strengthening in Anambra State, Program Officer, Damilola Decker said such segment of the society were too significant to be neglected.
He assured that his organization was working on bridging the gap, through partnership with groups that cater for the elderly.
He said, “A lot of NGOs are working with children, youths, women, but we observed the aged are overlooked. Their case is worsened due to their inability to key into advanced technology.
“They can’t express themselves through social media. Many of them are owed pension and gratuity and lack access to healthcare.
“While we’re concentrating on other segments of the society, let’s not forget the elderly.
We’ll all be there
Decker said, “It’s obvious all of us will get to that stage one day and a society that fails to take care of the aged is heading to the wrong track.
“How can democracy be said to be participatory when some segments of the society are excluded?
“It will be shameful if government doesn’t make deliberate policies that capture these groups.
“We’re drawing attention of government and local organizations to make policies that enhance the well-being of the invisible groups, including the elderly and IDPs.
“On our part, we’re working on bridging the gap, through partnership with organizations that take care of the aged.”
The training themed, “Strengthening a Community of Practice to improve the CSO Regulatory Environment in Nigeria” was organized with support of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and the ECOWAS (EU Commission).
