Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation (ADF) on Monday, June 14th, successfully hosted the Dialogue with the Executive Director of ADF, former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Josephine Anenih as Chief Host. The event took place at Ignatius Akubude Centre, Amawbia, Anambra State.
The Dialogue, which was held with support from The Strategic Opportunity Fund of Action Aid Nigeria’s Women’s Voice and Leadership project and funded by Global Affairs Canada was a one day Policy Dialogue on Social Security and Welfare of Elders.
It was held in commemoration of the 2021 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
A paper presentation by Dr Henry Duru of Mass Communication Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University , Awka, highlighted different ways the elderly members of the society are neglected and abused and what can be done to protect their rights.
Issues raised among participants were the persistent neglect and abuse of the elderly in the states, the need for clear Policy Document and enforceable laws on care of the elderly, conscious commitment towards social protection of the elderly and other vulnerable groups , among others.
Arising from the Dialogue, the participants resolved that the rights of the elderly must be respected , promoted and protected. It also resolved that there is compelling need for reliable and continuous updates of database of elderly persons in the state which will help in better planning and accurate targeting of interventions.
Present at the event were the Commissioner For Women and Children’s Affairs, Lady Ndidi Mezue, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning, Budget and Development Partners, Director, National Orientation Agency, Civil Societies, Persons with Disabilities, Media Practitioners, among others.
