Nigeria should take care of the aged – UNGA President

By Ochiaka Ugwu



Nigeria has been urged to step up action in taking care of its old people and show the world how to properly care for the aged.

The President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande made this known in Abuja Friday when he visited the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama.

He said that going by United Nations data, the population of the elderly (60+) will outnumber young people by 2020.

He stated that all basics of the society are connected to old people and is important that they are taken care of.

Data from World Population reveals that by the year 2050, one in six people in the world will be over 65 years old, he added.

He asked for increased inclusion of old people in the scheme of things and called for avoidance of all forms of discrimination against them.

He also advocated for proper and quality health system delivery for the aged.

”It is important to have this discussion at this point of time because these statistics will affect labour and financial markets, demand for goods and services (housing, transportation, social protection, and family structures).

”This is burdensome for the reason that by the year 2050, 80 per cent of older people will be living in low- and middle – income countries and Nigeria belongs to this classification.

“Nigeria has a duty to show the world (in the way they care for their old), that indeed older persons are important to the society,” he added.

Prof. Bande also acknowledged the importance of youth and women being integrated into all elements of development and governance in the society, saying that is a matter of importance to the 74th UNGA, and a global matter.

He said the focus of the 74th UNGA are ”matters of deep importance to Nigeria and Nigeria is doing its possible best to meet the vision”.

Mr Bande revealed that he will be having a meeting which will host discussions concerning issues associated with older persons.

UNGA President who was on a four-day official visit to the country said that UN is doing everything humanly possible to resolve the Libya crises, informing that delegations from Secretary General of UN have been sent to interface with Gen. Khalifa Hafter.