FIDA NIGERIA - ABUJA BRANCH - PLEDGES AND CALLS FOR RENEWED COMMITMENT
TO PROTECTING THE RIGHTS, WELLBEING AND DIGNITY OF OLDER PERSONS AS
NIGERIA MARKS 65 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE
As Nigeria celebrates her 65th Independence Anniversary today, we at the
International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria - Abuja Branch - also
join the global community to mark the International Day of Older Persons.
The confluence of these two historic commemorations is an instructive
reminder that beyond political freedom, true independence must also reflect in
how we protect and value every Nigerian, especially our older citizens who have
contributed to the fruits we reap today.
Our elders are the custodians of our history, culture, and values - they
are a living testament of resilience, sacrifice, and service to nationhood and
our common cause.
· Minor Rescued, Two Suspected
Child Traffickers Detained In Abia – NSCDC
· Ibadan Stampede: Lawyer Calls for Deceased Children’s Parents
to be Arrested, Reason Emerges
· Lagos Seals Coca-Cola, Friesland Campina,
Guinness Factories Over Regulatory Non-Compliance
Yet, too many older persons - particularly older women - face neglect,
abuse, poverty, age-based discrimination, and harmful cultural practices such
as disinheritance and degrading widowhood rites.
These injustices strip them of dignity and undermine the very ideals of
freedom and equality that Independence should represent.
As we celebrate our nation’s independence, FIDA Abuja calls on all
stakeholders in the FCT to:
1. Support the strengthening of legal frameworks that guarantee social
protection and access to justice for older persons - including the National
Senior Citizens Centre Act, 2017.
2. Challenge cultural and systemic practices that deny older women
security, leisure, self autonomy, ownership of property, inheritance,
healthcare, or dignity.
3. Foster intergenerational solidarity by bridging the gap between
younger and older members of the society, to advance mutual respect,
mentorship, and continuity of positive values.
FIDA Abuja reaffirms its commitment to defending the rights, wellbeing
and dignity of women and children across all life stages.
We remain unflinching in our stand against harmful widowhood practices,
economic exploitation, and every form of violence or neglect against older
women.
A society that honors its elders safeguards its values, its legacy, and
its future.
So today, as Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, we celebrate our
elders - especially our OLDER AMAZONS in FIDA Abuja, whose sacrifices have
greatly contributed to our branch and the society.
They deserve not only our gratitude but also our respect, protection and
care.
So today we recognize, honour and celebrate them.
Happy International Day of Older Persons.
Happy Independence Day.
CHIOMA ONYENUCHEYA-UKO
Chairperson, FIDA Nigeria - Abuja Branch
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