NGO calls for provision of Elderly home

Worried by the neglect being experienced by the elderly people in the country, a Non Governmental Organization, Caring Hands International, has called on governments at all levels to provide Elderly Peoples’ Home for the old people to enable them feel a sense of belonging.

The Executive Director of CHI, Mrs Fehintola Obilomo, made the call during a press conference held in Osogbo as part of activities to mark the 10th year anniversary of the organization, yesterday.

Obilomo who hinted that the organization is proposing a recreational centre for the old people, expressed dissatisfaction over the neglect being suffered by the elderly people in the society.

“The time is ripe for us to have
“Governments at all levels are called upon to take the plights of the elderly citizens seriously. These are people who have spent the whole of their lives to build the structures and facilities we are all enjoying today.

“As in the civilized world, special provisions should be made for the elderly, geriatric wards should be created in all state and federal health facilities to minimize the difficulty of the elder in obtaining access to medical care. All entitlements of the elderly persons should be given to them without delay,” she pleaded.

Obilomo also expressed worried over the spate of unemployment in Nigeria, noting that the NGO is partnering with the National Directorate of Employment with a view to reducing unemployment in the country.

She maintained that the organization is committed to have a society that is devoid of poverty, adding “we want to have a society where the vulnerable and disadvantaged persons will have a right to sustainable living in their respective communities within the context of sustainable human development.

Obilomo also solicited support for elderly people that require eye operations, noting that eye problem has been a common challenge of the elderly.

She however advised the organizers of “I’m Alive Programmes” to look for better ways of planning the programme to reduce the burden of elderly people.

Highlighting the objectives of the organization, Obilomo said the CHI’s mission is to improve the quality of life of all age groups with a special focus on the senior citizens in the society.

She noted that thousands of elderly people have benefited directly from the programmes of the organization, promising that the organization will continue to promote standard of living of the people.