President's Address

We are delighted to welcome you all to the commemoration of this year's United Nations International Day of Families with the theme "Demographic Trends and Families'', organized by the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN) in partnership with Graceful Ageing Fellowship (GRAF) and International Federation on Ageing Nigeria (IFAN) with the support of Darlez Nigeria Limited. Today, we join the international community in recognizing the importance of families in addressing demographic trends and promoting social and economic development. The United Nations International Day of Families provides an opportunity to reflect on the impact of demographic trends on families around the world. By recognizing the diversity of family structures and supporting families in their various forms, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world for the Older Persons in our society. Families with globalisation are undergoing tremendous stress due to various factors e.g less nuclear family communications and interaction due to the effect of social media, importation of foreign cultures with the older persons isolation, neglect and abandonment. COSROPIN has been focusing to remove these tendencies and ensure the inclusion and effective participation of the older persons in developmental plans and initiatives. The Healthy Ageing intergenerational Walk this morning is one such programs by cosropin not to isolate but to inclusion and integrate older persons into social programs as family members. We believe it has afforded many older persons good opportunities for interaction and socialisation this morning. We want to particularly thank everyone for participating in this Healthy Ageing Walk which we believe you have all enjoyed and are feeling refreshed now. Taking a 3-kilometer Healthy Ageing Walk has provided a range of mental health benefits for our older persons. Physical exercises have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and can help to improve cognitive function and memory. Walking can also be a great way to socialize and engage others, which can have a positive impact on mental well-being. For older persons who may be living with chronic conditions like arthritis, taking this walk can be a way to manage symptoms and improve overall health. Walking can help to reduce joint pain and stiffness, and can improve flexibility and range of motion. We want to thank all member of COSROPIN for all they have achieved for older e.g their advocacy that led to the development and signing of the National policy on Ageing , the inauguration of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) and a member of its Board of Trustees (BOT). COSROPIN’s contributions to the Ministerial Committee on the Provision of free Health Insurance for the Elderly persons. The various Care and outreach programmes that touch lives of older persons in the states such as the Older Persons HANGOUT supported by VOICE of Netherlands. It is with joy that I announce today that the Board of the global CommonWealth NGO, CommonAge has selected COSROPIN for its CommonAge Recognising Excellence Award (CARE) under the Community Category Most Innovative program from amongst 15 nominations from 7 countries. Today we are partnering with 2 of our members for the Healthy Ageing Walk. Graceful Ageing Fellowship (GRAF) has been working in the area of Healthy Ageing for 13 plus years focusing on the physical, mental and spiritual ageing of older persons with its healthy ageing physical exercise every Saturday from 7.30 to 9am. It’s mental and healthy teachings, the last Saturdays of every month Breakfast Prayer Meeting and its biweekly Monday evening spiritual teaching. All this activities have helped many older persons to age gracefully, live long and healthy, in order to avoid unnecessary sudden deaths. Our other partner International Federation on Ageing Nigeria (IFAN) is a household name in ageing activities. We wish to thank the management of Darlez Nigeria Ltd for their support that enables COSROPIN reach out. Distinguished participants of this commemoration of the 2023 celebration we thank you for honouring our invitation and for participating. We thank the chairman of the BOT of COSROPIN our Guest Speaker HE Prof. Tunde Adeniran for honouring our invitation to be our keynote Speaker for this event. COSROPIN remains committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of older persons and their families. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that older persons are included in policies and programs that promote sustainable development and equitable access to resources. Once again, I welcome you all to this important celebration, and I look forward to our discussions and deliberations on how we can collectively promote the well-being of families and older persons in Nigeria. Senator Dr. Eze Ajoku, OFR