Abuja: The newly appointed Director-General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), Mrs. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, has pledged to lead a renaissance in the care and inclusion of Nigeria's senior citizens as she officially assumed office during the hand-over ceremony.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Akinyemi-Obe expressed her gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting her with the role. She emphasized that her appointment was not a privilege, but a solemn responsibility to honor those who have shaped the nation. She reiterated her commitment to President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on building a compassionate, inclusive society where no citizen, especially senior citizens, is left behind.
Akinyemi-Obe promised to advocate for dignity in retirement, quality healthcare, lifelong learning, protection from abuse, and ensuring a strong voice for senior citizens in national affairs. She commended her predecessor, Dr. Emem Omokaro, for her pioneering leadership and vowed to build on her legacy, emphasizing that the foundation of dedication and excellence had already been laid.
Recognizing the NSCC staff as the engine of progress, Akinyemi-Obe pledged to prioritize their welfare, enhance workplace conditions, and foster a culture of innovation and recognition. She called on all sectors, including government, private organizations, NGOs, faith-based groups, and the youth, to join in the collective responsibility of caring for elders.
She assured Nigeria's senior citizens that they are valued and celebrated as living libraries of the nation, guardians of values, and beacons of resilience. Akinyemi-Obe stated her vision of making aging in Nigeria a catalyst for compassion, inclusion, and national renewal.
Earlier, the outgoing Director-General, Dr. Emem Omokaro, highlighted the historic milestones achieved under her stewardship, including the development of Nigeria's first comprehensive policy on aging and the establishment of action plans tailored for older persons. She noted the creation of legislative foundations that shifted national narratives and emphasized the launch of empowerment programs and needs assessments conducted across the country.
Omokaro addressed the evolving care economy, noting the challenges faced by families and the need for professional caregiving. She celebrated the establishment of national standards for geriatric care and the accreditation of teaching hospitals, which promise to create jobs and set new benchmarks for quality care.
As she handed over a comprehensive report documenting the NSCC's foundational years, Omokaro expressed her trust and confidence in Akinyemi-Obe, encouraging her to build on the foundation laid over the past four years.