National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) Empowers Members through Cooperatives

The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has disbursed a total of six million naira in grants to six senior-led cooperative societies in Akwa Ibom State, as part of its Income Security Initiative.

The announcement was made during a workshop focused on Elder Abuse Awareness, Elder Justice Advocacy, and the unveiling of the Economic Empowerment Initiative for Older Persons.

In a statement signed by Omini Oden, Head of Corporate Affairs, Media and Communications, the NSCC noted that each cooperative received one million naira to support and expand their ventures in the art, craft, and agriculture value chains.

According to NSCC, these cooperatives were carefully selected after a rigorous process involving needs assessment, capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation activities across the state.

“The six benefiting cooperatives include Mbiabet Ikpe Rice Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Eyosung Community Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Etimbono Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Arise and Shine Pottery Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Associate Elderly Citizens Multipurpose Cooperative Society, and the Elderly Citizens Multipurpose Cooperative Society.

“These groups are expected to use the funds to enhance productivity and improve the economic well-being of their elderly members”, the statement reads.

Emem Omokaro, NSCC Director General, emphasized that the initiative seeks to recognize the value of older persons, create sustainable income-generating opportunities, and encourage their active participation in society.

She stressed that although Nigerian culture traditionally holds elders in high regard, increasing migration and work-related pressures have led to a rise in neglect, abuse, and marginalization of senior citizens.

She said the NSCC is determined to address these issues through a collaborative approach involving institutions such as the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the National Human Rights Commission, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, the National Orientation Agency, and state governments.

The workshop also highlighted the importance of community-driven justice systems, urging that any meaningful elder justice system must begin at the family and community levels before extending to national institutions such as rehabilitation agencies.

“There is a growing focus on working with older persons’ associations and translating policies and advocacy materials into local languages to ensure they are accessible and impactful across diverse communities”, the statement added.

Omokaro noted that traditional systems already play a key role in elder care in many communities and should not be displaced but rather supported and strengthened.

“Religious institutions, local councils, and grassroots organizations were identified as critical partners in creating a robust support network for older adults”, he added.

The NSCC’s advocacy messages particularly underscore the influence of religious institutions like churches and mosques in championing the rights and welfare of senior citizens.

“Since many elderly individuals are deeply engaged with faith-based communities, these institutions often wield more influence than governmental bodies within family and community settings”, Omokaro.

The vision, according to the NSCC, is to foster a community-based care ecosystem that includes families, religious bodies, and healthcare providers, working together to uphold the dignity, rights, and well-being of older persons.

“When each component of society plays its role effectively, a more resilient and compassionate support system for the elderly can be achieved.

“In line with its broader mandate, the NSCC is training and certifying caregivers, known as Auxiliary Workers, to assist families in providing better care for their elderly members.

“This initiative, supported by the federal government, is part of a larger plan to build a skilled workforce and inclusive elder care programs that encompass cooperatives and livelihood initiatives”, the statement noted.

To further spread awareness and deepen societal engagement, the NSCC said it is also using creative avenues such as drama, debates, and storytelling to reach communities, especially young people, with messages about the value of older persons.

“These methods have proven effective in communicating the importance of respect, protection, and inclusion for senior citizens”, NSCC said.

As part of its advocacy drive, the NSCC is urging state governments to domesticate the NSCC Act and criminalize all forms of violence and abuse against older persons. The call is aimed at strengthening legal frameworks to protect vulnerable elderly populations across Nigeria.

Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom State Governor, represented Emem Ibanga, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of senior citizens.

He cited various initiatives under his administration, including the construction of 174 ARISE Compassionate Homes across the 31 local government areas, the provision of N50,000 grants to 600 elderly persons across all wards, and the enrollment of hundreds of seniors into the State Health Insurance Scheme.

He also announced the ongoing construction of a senior citizens’ home in Ibiono Ibom.

Eno used the occasion to call on young people to show more care and respect for the elderly in their communities, emphasizing that a society that values its elders is one that preserves its heritage and moral strength.