FG unveils ambitious plan to revolutionize elderly care in Nigeria

In a stunning revelation that has the nation buzzing, the Federal Government has declared its unwavering commitment to an awe-inspiring initiative – the development of top-notch care for older persons in Nigeria.

Dr. Emem Omokaro, the visionary Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), dropped this bombshell on Tuesday, igniting a wave of excitement. In the midst of a riveting 2-day workshop on the formulation of groundbreaking policy guidelines and a regulatory framework, Omokaro unveiled the grand vision that will redefine the landscape of elderly care.

“We are not merely dreaming, but we are in the trenches working shoulder to shoulder with key stakeholders,” Omokaro declared, her passion lighting up the room. The mission? To craft a revolutionary Quality Assurance System and Regulatory Framework that will catapult the training, recognition, and certification of Geriatric Social Care Skills to unparalleled heights.

But that’s not all – brace yourselves for the unveiling of a game-changing plan that will send shockwaves through the care industry. Omokaro announced the imminent assessment and accreditation of training centers and providers for Geriatric Caregivers. It’s an audacious bid to not only ensure excellence but to trigger a seismic shift that opens up a universe of job opportunities in the care industry sub-sector.

Ladies and gentlemen, this isn’t just about care; it’s about competence. Omokaro emphasized that the care of our treasured seniors hinges on the mastery of specialized skills. The path forward? Learning opportunities that will supercharge the capacities and employability of those aspiring to become skilled caregivers. This, dear readers, is not just a plan; it’s a revolution in the making.

The NSCC chief’s electrifying address set the stage for an extraordinary endeavor that would catapult care providers into a realm of internationally recognized standards. Omokaro’s bold assertion was underscored by the conviction that these assessments will be the bedrock for global recognition of national qualifications for Geriatric Social Caregivers.

And if you think that’s the pinnacle of this stunning revelation, think again. Enter Mr. Matthias Schmale, the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian in Nigeria, who affirmed that the United Nations is on a mission to rectify an oversight of epic proportions. Acknowledging the exclusion of older persons from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Schmale confessed that a new era of inclusivity was dawning.

“We’ve heard the cries, the whispers of the forgotten. The older persons have been left behind for far too long,” Schmale announced with fervor. “In this new age of inclusivity, the elderly will not be neglected. Leave no one behind – that’s our motto.”

With a symphony of applause resonating in the air, Schmale’s promise rang out, echoing the fervent commitment of the United Nations to amplify the voices and meet the needs of our senior citizens.

The event was punctuated by a chorus of voices, each resonating with admiration for the visionaries and champions behind this revolutionary initiative. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Dr. Sani Gwarzo, paid tribute to the NSCC’s remarkable leader, whose unswerving dedication has ignited a beacon of hope for the elderly.

In a whirlwind of hope, transformation, and commitment, the future of elderly care in Nigeria has been forever altered. As the nation collectively holds its breath, we eagerly await the unveiling of a new era where quality care and dignity are bestowed upon our elders in a manner that truly befits their legacy.