Issues
Towards Providing Care For The Elderly
Usman Kazaure, an octogenarian, is fondly called “Old Soja” because of his career in the military during his younger days.
He had fought in Burma on the side of the Allied Forces during World War 11, as well as on the federal side during the Nigerian civil war.
Usman feels nostalgic about those youthful days when he served his fatherland but he is particularly pained that at his old age, the society he served dutifully has failed him.
Like many other retirees, Usman, today depends on his meagre pension, which always came late and with much stress and hardships.
“For months at times, we do not get paid. We queue up at our old age for long hours before we collect our pension arrears whenever it pleased government to release them,” he moans.
These days, Usman busies himself telling folk stories and other tales of his exploits as a soldier to kids who care to listen to him. This keeps him busy and happy, as it affords him the platform to enrich youngsters with words of wisdom, which often come with age and experience.
Usman currently receives support from members of his family and relatives to enable him to keep body and soul together.
No doubt, the elderly in Nigeria constitutes a significant proportion of the nation’s population.
By a UN report after the 1st World Assembly on Ageing in Vienna, Austria, in 1982, nearly two-thirds of old persons live in developing countries. In spite of this, older persons are still largely excluded from the wider global, regional and national development agenda.
The report indicated that an estimated 737 million persons would be aged 60 years and above in 2009, while two-thirds of the figure would be from developing countries.
By official projections, the number is expected to increase to two billion in 2050, about 38 years from now. By that time, the older persons will undoubtedly out-number the children or the younger population.
Nigeria, on its part, is presently undergoing a demographic transition, with an increasing population of old people. The 2006 population census showed that there were 3.8 million males and 3 million females, aged between 60 years and above.
With a growth rate of 3.2 per cent in Nigeria, it is estimated that the figures will multiply in 2050.
No doubt, the rise in the population of older persons poses major challenges to the UN and the developing countries in particular. Central to these challenges is the near-absence of social security service for the elderly in developing societies.
For many societies as ours, ageing is perceived by some as a burden, especially as the societies fail to tap from the blessings that come with old age in form of wise counsels in the resolution of crises.
As part of measures to address challenges associated with the momentous demographic shift, the UN General Assembly convened the second World Assembly on Ageing in Madrid, Spain in 2002.
It sought to help governments and societies plan policies that would ensure that older persons could continue to contribute to society in meaningful ways.
In addition, it reviewed the 1st Vienna Assembly which held in 1982, while revising a plan of action that will consider the social, cultural, economic and demographic realities of the new century.
The strategy stressed the need to ensure that ageing had a basic place in all policy agendas — both domestic and international — as well as in other major documents for social, economic and human rights development.
Experts point out that ageing is a life-long process because individuals begin their ageing process at the moment of birth, through life’s course, accumulating a range of experiences that may positively or negatively affect their capabilities and wellbeing in later years.
According to Mr Ban ki-Moon, UN Secretary-General, “we must be vigilant in ensuring that the provision of social protection, long-term care and access to public health for the elderly is not undermined”.
Dr Saqik Umar, a political scientist, observes that in Nigeria today, there is general lack of plans and policies designed for the older population.
“Ordinarily, policies are designed with a youthful society in mind.”
Umar advises that from now on, policies for older persons, younger persons and those in-between must be designed with an ageing society in mind – a society where soon, every third individual would be over 60 years.
Blessing Ujeboh, heads the Geriatric Care Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that caters for the interests of the aged.
He identifies challenges faced by older people as mostly health issues, while boredom, which arises from loneliness is also there.
“There are health problems as high blood pressure; boredom with nobody to talk to and nobody to take care of their health.”
He stresses the need for a forum where government would be able to interact with older persons and assure them that they are not neglected.
A consultant geriatrician, Dr Adetoyeye Oyeyemi, also posits that care of the elderly is one of the things that make society a good entity.
Oyeyemi expatiates that research had shown that the care for the elderly is not adequate in Nigeria. He urges the government to look into the problems of the aged in the society very critically.
Only recently, the Geriatric Care Foundation hosted a forum in Abuja to sensitise the government and the peoples on the care for the aged. Its theme was: “The Care for Senior Citizens’’,
At the forum, Oyeyemi explained that senior citizens were vital members of the society, who should be taken care of.
“Senior citizens are valued because they are the ones that lead nations and communities today.’’
He said that ageing and diseases were two different things, adding, however, that it was not true that as one grew old, he or she would have to be sick.
“We age because ageing is timed in our genes and because of the stress that our bodies go through. We are what we eat and so, elderly people should eat more of fruits and vegetables because these foods can make us live longer and prevent constipation.
“In this part of the world, we have preference for solid foods like pounded yam; but that should be eaten in low quantity with a lot of soup.”
The geriatrician encouraged the elderly to eat nuts and seeds that were without salt, like cashew nuts and peanuts.
Oyetemi also advised old people to strive to impart their life experiences and skills on the younger generations, while socializing more with the young ones, so as to laugh and smile, since the two emotional gestures are natural healing therapies.
On her part, Ujeboh called on the government to look more into the issues confronting the senior citizens.
Dr Otaki Alanana, a lecturer with the University of Abuja, called on the Federal Government to subsidise the health bill of the elderly, so as to reduce the burden on their families.
He observed that nearly 80 percent of the elderly resided in the countryside, while 20 per cent lived in the urban centers. He added that the condition of elderly persons in rural areas had been worsened by modernization and urbanization.
Alanana explained that these twin-processes had enhanced mass migration of the younger population to urban centres in search of better living conditions, thereby making the elderly to suffer neglect from the younger population, who should have provided support for them.
Alanana said that much needed to be done in Nigeria to effectively implement national policies within the framework of the UN Resolution on care of older persons, which respects and values the right and choice of older persons.
He added that the absence of social advocacy for the elderly in Nigeria had not only compounded their problems but also affected their contributions to societal growth and development.
“Much needs to be done by government and other corporate organisations to include sustainability plans in the policy for the elderly.
“These are people that have put in their best for the progress and development of the country when their potential was at their peak.’’
Alanana explained that the aged were embodiment of wisdom, storehouse of knowledge, ideas and above all, custodians of family and traditional values, adding that they enforced discipline, promote unity and social solidarity.
He noted that they had capacity to disseminate wisdom and skills to the younger generation, whose development potential were at their peak.
Alanana said that providing and caring for the elderly would surely secure the future, as ignoring the elderly would put the future at risk.
According to him, older persons should be given a strategic place by consulting them whenever the need arises.
He said that in developed countries, whenever there were issues on the economy, defence or politics, the elderly were often consulted and their advices had often helped to solve such problems.
He also called for an urgent review of the nation’s pension system, to eliminate the sufferings of the senior citizens and thus enable them to receive their pensions and gratuities with no stress whatsoever.
“Those who have disengaged from public service cannot get their pensions as at when due; some have died on queues, waiting for their pension and gratuity because there are no adequate measures to address the problems of senior citizens,” he lamented.
On his part, a senior citizen and former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, said that the “new breed” must co-exist with the “old breed”.
“The ‘new breed’ without the ‘old breed’ will bring greed; the best organisation in the world is a combination of the old and the young.
“You need the maturity, wisdom and the experience of the old, as well as the dynamism, radicalism and youthful exuberance of the young. The blending of the two makes a perfect organization,’’ he said.
Against this backdrop, many analysts insist that at national and local levels, adjustments must be made to design infrastructures, policies, plans and resources to cater for all age categories.
Salisu Idris
In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.
Tele Ikuru
The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?
Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .
Bernard C. Idike
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
Amieyeofori Ibim
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