House consolidates four bills on welfare of older people – Dogara

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, said the National Assembly has consolidated four private members' bills to address the welfare of older persons.

Dogara said this at the Multi-Sectoral Stakeholders' Forum on Ageing and Legislation to mark the 2016 International Day of Older Persons in Abuja on Monday.

This, he said, included Bill for an Act to Establish the National Council on Ageing which would provide social welfare services for the elderly as well as advance their cause.

Another bill is for an Act to Establish Welfare Trust Fund Management Commission for the effective management of the welfare of the unemployed and people with disability.

He added that the bill also aimed to ensure the welfare of widows, orphans and the elderly, among others.

The Speaker added that a Bill for an Act to Provide for the Registration and Control of Orphanages and other Institutions of Boarding and other Related Matters was also being looked into.

He said the House will utilise the opportunity of the forum to generate resources that would address the challenges faced by Nigerian families in taking care of the aged.

Dogara stated that the House was poised to formulate legislatures that will address the welfare of older persons in the country.

Mr Linus Okorie, Chairman, House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, said the forum was organised to consider ways of improving the wellbeing of the aged.

Dr Emem Omokaro, Executive Director, Dave Omokaro Foundation, said it was 'necessary to herald a national campaign against ageism.''

She held that it was necessary for everyone to significantly contribute to influencing support and a consensus for ageing policy.

Omokaro also advocated systematic framework on ageing as well as having a social insurance security for senior citizens.

The forum was organised by the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, in collaboration with Dave Omokaro Foundation, to deliberate on issues relating to ageing.