Features
Burden Of Caring For The Elderly
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 Kazaure 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.
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 organisation,’’ 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.
Idris writes for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Salisu Idris
It has been 25 years of impactful development of the Niger Delta region, facilitated by theNiger Delta Development Commission. NDDC. Without doubt, it has been a remarkable journey, marked by significant milestones and daunting challenges.
For the past week, the NDDC has been celebrating its achievements, beginning with a thanksgiving service in Akure, Ondo State, on July 6, drawing stakeholders and Niger Deltans to express gratitude to God for the Commission’s journey so far.
Taking off on the wings of the Oil Minerals Development Commission, OMPADEC, in 2000, the NDDC has grown into a symbol of federal presence in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
The celebration moved from spiritual reflection and thanksgiving to strategic communication, with a World Press Conference held in Asaba, Delta State, on Monday, the 7th of July. There, members of the Fourth Estate across all media gathered in what was perhaps the most extensive media engagement of its kind. The NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to its motto of “making a difference.”
Dr. Ogbuku stated, “The President gave us a matching order during our inauguration to positively turn things around in the Niger Delta region.” That presidential directive, he noted, continues to guide the Board and Management as they pursue legacy projects across the region.
From electricity restoration in Ondo to road linkages in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom, the NDDC’s impact was showcased in clear, tangible terms. “We commissioned the 45-km double-circuit 33KV feeder line from Omotosho Power Station to Okitipupa in Ondo State,” Dr. Ogbuku recalled, “bringing electricity back to 25 local governments after 15 years in darkness.” This was just one of several landmark interventions highlighted during the press briefing, underscoring the Commission’s renewed vigour under the current leadership.
The Managing Director spoke candidly about the setbacks caused by years of instability in leadership. “Frequent changes in management and boards have slowed our progress,” he admitted. “But today, we are targeting legacy projects. Our mandate is to complete those critical projects.” He emphasised that the Commission had transitioned from a transactional mindset to one of transformation, including the digitisation of procurement processes to ensure transparency and accountability.
Other top executives echoed similar sentiments. The Chairman of the Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, stressed the importance of collaboration, particularly with the media, whom he described as “critical stakeholders” in advancing development. Alabo Boma Iyaye, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, noted that the celebrations would run until Saturday, July 12, culminating in a gala night and plenary session in Port Harcourt.
Perhaps, the most significant message from the silver jubilee celebration is the renewed hope that the Niger Delta can finally experience holistic and sustainable development.
According to Ogbuku, “Through the initiative of the Board and Management, we have restructured the administrative architecture of the Commission to its 13 statutory Directorates, introduced robust Corporate Governance protocols… This formalised a value- driven institutional culture anchored on ethics and performance.”
As the weeklong celebrations continue across different states in the region, the NDDC appears determined not just to celebrate its past but to chart a bold course for the future.
The people of the Niger Delta are watching, hopeful that the next 25 years will be defined not by promises, but by lasting progress that transforms lives and communities, truly making a difference.
The celebration also featured a movie premiere titled “Making a Difference”, which traced the Commission’s journey and told stories of transformation in communities once plagued by underdevelopment. For many observers, the film served as both an emotional tribute and a powerful reminder of the NDDC’s role in shaping the destiny of the region.
The Governing Board and management of the NDDC have again proven to Nigerians, particularly the people of the oil-bearing Niger Delta region, that history does matter. They have also shown clearly that extraordinary personalities can upturn calculations and permutations. The above assertion was evidenced by the torrents of praises, accolades, and commendations poured on the Commission and its management and board by critical stakeholders during its week-long 25th anniversary celebration.
Beginning with Ondo State, one of the NDDC mandate states, Ondo Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, hailed the management of the NDDC for the peace and development currently prevailing in the Niger Delta region. He said the Commission, under the current management and board, has succeeded in bridging developmental gaps in the region, noting that NDDC’s emphasis on partnerships and collaboration aimed at driving sustainable development across the Niger Delta has ushered in unprecedented progress.
Aiyedatiwa, who spoke at the Thanksgiving Service of the NDDC held at St Thomas’s Anglican Church, Akure, the Ondo State capital, stressed that the commission has undoubtedly lived up to its established mandate, commending the Board and Management for their exemplary leadership and commitment.
The Governor hailed the commission’s commitment and dedication to project conception, implementation, and completion, noting that the NDDC has established a culture of delivery and the region would no longer witness abandonment of projects as was the case in the past.
He said, “As we celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the NDDC, we must acknowledge the progress we have made and also recognise that there is still much work to be done as the Niger Delta region continues to face significant development challenges and we must work together to address these issues. “I urge the NDDC to continue to improve on its activities, ensuring that projects are tailored to the needs of the communities we serve. Let us work together to unlock the potential of our region, promote economic growth and enhance the lives of our people. We are partners in progress, unity and development.”
From Ondo State to Asaba, the Delta State capital, it was the same rain of praises. The Asaba monarch, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Epiphany Azinge, on his part, was full of praises for the NDDC for its achievements in the past 25 years.
Obi Azinge spoke when Ebie led a delegation of the Commission’s Board and Management to pay a courtesy visit to him in his palace in Asaba, the Delta State capital. The Royal Father commended the NDDC for its intervention in several sectors across the Niger Delta region.
He expressed delight with the foreign postgraduate scholarship programme, which had helped many youths from the Niger Delta upgrade their knowledge.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the NDDC Chairman, whom he said had served the Delta State Government in different capacities. He noted that Ebie served meritoriously as Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education and later, Secretary to the State Government. The monarch thanked the NDDC for selecting Asaba as the venue for some of the activities marking its 25th anniversary, such as a press conference and the movie premiere.
Earlier, the NDDC Board Chairman congratulated Asagba on his ascension to the throne of his forefathers, saying he was eminently qualified for the position. Ebie expressed optimism that the Asagba’s reign would bring good tidings to Asaba, which serves as both a Kingdom and the capital of Delta State.
He stated that the NDDC had come of age and was now a big brother to the new development agencies in Nigeria’s geo-political zones. Ebie disclosed that as part of the silver jubilee celebration, the Commission was going around the nine States of the Niger Delta.
The NDDC Chief Executive Officer pledged that the NDDC’s commitment to adhering strictly to the President’s directive to the Commission to complete all ongoing projects in the region, including roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities. He disclosed that the Commission was engaging all stakeholders to ensure harmony and cooperation in the task of developing the hitherto neglected Niger Delta region.
He noted that, ”It is not only by our efforts; it is the collaborative efforts from all the stakeholders who believe the time has come when there should be stability in the NDDC and that stability is a challenge to us to ensure that we deliver development to the people of the Niger Delta region.”
Ifeatu Agbu
Agbu wrote in from Port Harcourt.
The mandate of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, is to facilitate the rapid and sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, while that of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is to investigates financial crimes and put corrupt practices in check.
Given their different roles, the idea of an alliance between the two organisations may seem far-fetched. However, with the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, and the EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Olanikpekun Olukoyede, it is not just an idea; it is a reality.
The unique collaboration between the NDDC and the EFCC has given rise to the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Training Centre, unveiled on Tuesday at Otuokpoti Community in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
According to the NDDC Managing Director, the vast training complex was executed with funds recovered on behalf of the Commission by the EFCC.
Ogbuku explained that the Bayelsa training centre was funded through the money recovered by the EFCC and executed under a signed performance bond, ensuring transparency and impact. He noted that the facility represented one of several such centres being constructed in Delta and Rivers States. He said: “We have similar facilities currently under construction in Odi, Bayelsa State, while the ones in Delta State are being built in Patani and Ozorro and another two in Rivers State.”
He observed that the Multi-Purpose Training Centre, which was completed in record time, was a partnership between the EFCC and the NDDC, as the anti-crime agency had recovered the funds that facilitated the project’s execution.
Ogbuku observed that the facility, which could accommodate 1,000 persons, represented a significant step toward empowering local communities through skills development and inclusive growth.
The training centre’s components, which include a school, hospital, cafeteria, police post, and recreational centre, are all designed to support training, healthcare, and emergency accommodation within a single integrated complex.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the EFCC Chairman assured the NDDC of the release of more recovered funds in the coming weeks.
Olukoyede described the NDDC as a “renewed and transformed government agency.” He assured that the EFCC would do everything to recover all outstanding statutory contributions due to the NDDC from oil companies.
He noted: “We have made several recoveries on behalf of the NDDC, and we will not relent in this direction. We are encouraged by the fact that the NDDC is making the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government a reality in the Niger Delta region.”
Olukoyede commended the NDDC for its institutional and policy reforms, declaring that the people of the Niger Delta will have every reason to celebrate the current leadership of the Commission. He described the NDDC as a beacon of good governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He noted: “The Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg and should not be denied the benefits of that golden egg. On our part at the EFCC, we must do everything within our power to ensure that the three per cent statutory contribution due to the NDDC is recovered and handed over to the Commission. We are going to continue supporting you.”
He said further: “Under this President, NDDC is working; good governance is being delivered. It is my delight to be part of this transformational agenda. The Renewed Hope Agenda is no longer a slogan—it is a reality. For the first time, people are identifying with what NDDC is doing.”
Olukoyede commended the NDDC, saying the Commission has refined its processes to uphold the principles of probity. This aligns with the agency’s head’s emphasis on upholding transparency and accountability in the country’s affairs.
The Chairman of the anti-crime agency confessed that his perspective on the NDDC was turned around in 2024, when the NDDC management, led by Ogbuku, paid him a courtesy visit at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja.
Olukoyede stated that he was impressed by the Commission’s “Rewind to Rebirth” initiative.
He declared: “The five minutes of interaction with the MD left me with a different perception of NDDC. Maybe, we will begin to see an NDDC that is a symbol of pride, accountability, transparency and able to deliver on its mandate.
“From his presentation, you can see that he is ready to bring a change, and that is the exact thing that we stand for in EFCC.”
Assuring that the EFCC would continue to assist the NDDC to achieve its mandate, he said: “We have been working with you to make recoveries; we will continue to do more.
“The collaboration is something we need to take to the next level, and with what you have put on the table I think we are ready to work with you to strengthen your systems and processes and to take the NDDC to the next level.”
In his remarks, the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, praised the NDDC Board and Management for their unity of purpose and commitment to service delivery, stating that the level of harmony and stability within the Commission is unprecedented.
He declared: “What we are witnessing here today has never happened in the history of the NDDC. Since I assumed office as Minister, I have not been called upon to settle any crisis within the Commission. This is a testament to the teamwork between the Board and Management.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, emphasised the human capital development focus of the two projects commissioned, noting that reforming the NDDC is an ongoing but rewarding process.
He stated: “We are moving from transaction to transformation. We are doing our best to improve not just the reputation of the NDDC, but everything that concerns the Commission. Today is about promoting and celebrating human capacity.”
Without a doubt, the Niger Delta region is confronted with ecological and environmental challenges that should, perforce, attract significant funds from the Federal Government and the oil companies operating in the region.
Sadly, this has not been so, thus limiting the capacity of the NDDC to fulfill its mandate of driving the development process and transforming the Niger Delta region into one that is “economically prosperous, socially stable, ecologically regenerative and politically peaceful.”
It is rather unfortunate that, despite the spirited efforts by successive boards and managements of the NDDC to meet the expectations of the people, their efforts have not been matched with commensurate funding.
The issue of inadequate funding is resurfacing again. Indeed, it is an inconvenient truth that will remain on the front burner until it is fully addressed.
That explains why the NDDC Managing Director highlighted the issue during interactive sessions that the Commission’s Board and Management held with the relevant Committees of the National Assembly in Abuja last year.
Ogbuku told the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, chaired by Hon. Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake, that the Commission is owed over N2 trillion, arising from withheld funds and underpayments by both the government and the oil companies. He blamed this on non-compliance with the Act establishing the Commission.
Given the enormous impact of their activities on the environment, the oil companies are expected to be at the forefront in the critical task of urgently developing the oil basin that has suffered so much neglect in the past. It is, in fact, in their interest to develop the communities where they operate to guarantee peace, which is very necessary for them to continue with their work.
Thankfully, both the Senate and the House of Representatives promised to assist the NDDC in recovering its outstanding funds. In their various interactions with the NDDC leadership, the lawmakers expressed concern about the disregard for existing laws governing the Commission’s funding.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, expressed displeasure over the disregard for the law by the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and promised to call them to order.
The Senate Committee Chairman stated that proper funding would help NDDC to adequately address the sustainable development of the Niger Delta region, noting that the challenge of developing the region was enormous and that all relevant contributors to the NDDC must play their roles diligently.
Senator Ekpenyong said that in discharging its oversight functions, his committee will ensure that every contributor to NDDC pays what they owe the Commission, “because we cannot afford to toy with the development of that very important region. We owe it to the country to make sure that we improve the living conditions of the people of the region.”
It is reassuring to note that both chambers of the National Assembly are concerned about the pressing funding challenges facing the NDDC and are taking steps to address the situation.
The lawmakers understand that we have a responsibility to adequately fuel the vehicle chosen to drive the development process in the Niger Delta region.
In 2023, the House of Representatives unveiled plans to investigate the activities of International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the Niger Delta region, as well as the recovery of over $4 billion allegedly owed to the NDDC.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo, who frowned at the flagrant breach of the NDDC Act, 2000, which was established in response to heightened agitations and violent yearnings for special intervention in the oil-producing states.
He said: “The House is aware that the indebtedness of the IOCs to the NDDC had culminated in the drive by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to commence the debt recovery process.
By Ifeatu Agbu
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