The Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons In Nige ria, COSROPIN, has called for the payment of pension arrears owed Retirees in some States.
The President of COSROPIN, Senator Eze Ajoku made the call during a Hangout held for Older Persons in Pyape 2, Angwuandadi Community in Nyanya, Abuja.
Senator Ajoku who expressed concern over the challenges confronting Retirees in some States said delaying the payment of their monthly pension has been affecting their wellbeing hence the need for Government to always ensure regular payment of pensions to those who have served their States and country in general.
“It’s quite unfortunate that pensioners in some States are not getting their monthly pensions as and when due while some of them are even owed for months which is not good enough because these are Older Persons who had contributed their quota to the development of their States” In one of the States i visited, pensioners complained of being owed 4 years pension from a past administration and the current administration claims it has no money to pay the back log”, he explained.
According to him, the Hangout being organized in 30 locations across the 36 states plus the FCT is to give Older Persons a sense of belonging and reduce their isolation, depression, as well as improve their wellbeing. It gives them a sense of well-being to interact with their fellow older persons, dance, exercise, play games and tell stories while being treated by doctors of their ailments.
“COSROPIN is excited to see that over 1000 older persons in different communities forget their moods and isolation through this Voice fund initiative”.
While decrying the present economic situation among Older Persons in the country, Senator Ajoku appealed to the Federal Government to find a way to target this class of people in reducing the current hardship on all vulnerable and marginalized Older Persons nationwide.
“The present economic situation is no doubt affecting most Nigerians but is harder on the less privileged and vulnerable persons in the country and the most hit are the Older Persons hence the need for the Federal Government to specifically intensify its efforts and find a way of reducing the sufferings arising from its policies and programmes most especially the fuel subsidy removal” Senator Ajoku stressed.
The President stated that COSROPIN would continue to embark on programmes aimed at putting smiles on the faces of Older Persons towards ensuring graceful ageing.
He advised Older Persons to always eat right, engage in exercise and take their health condition seriously to ensure a healthy living.
The President of COSROPIN also stressed the need for Nigerians to always show love and care to Older Persons in the country. We need to be seen as an Age friendly country.
