The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has called for the establishment of accessible polling units and improved electoral support systems to ensure elderly Nigerians participate meaningfully and with dignity in the country’s democratic process.
- +NSCC calls for accessible polling units for elderly voters
According to a statement signed by Abdulfatai Otori, Head of Corporate Affairs, Media and Communications at the NSCC, the call was made during the Citizens’ Open Forum and unveiling of the Senior Citizens’ Support Emblem held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday.
According to a statement signed by Abdulfatai Otori, Head of Corporate Affairs, Media and Communications at the NSCC, the call was made during the Citizens’ Open Forum and unveiling of the Senior Citizens’ Support Emblem held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday.
The event, organised by the Rivers State Senior Citizens Forum, was themed, “The Silver Vote: Ensuring Inclusive and Dignified Participation for Senior Citizens in the Electoral Process.” brought together senior citizens, government officials, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to discuss challenges affecting the participation of older persons in elections.
In her welcome remarks, Georgiana Tenalo, President of the Rivers State Senior Citizens’ stressed the need for sustained advocacy to protect the rights, welfare, and inclusion of older persons in national development and democratic governance.
Speaking at the forum, Yemisi Afolabi, Director-General of the NSCC , represented by Director of Finance and Accounts, said Nigeria’s democratic system must guarantee older citizens the opportunity to participate safely, actively, and with dignity.
The Director-General also urged the Rivers State Government to domesticate the NSCC Act and establish a befitting Senior Citizens Centre to strengthen institutional support and improve access to programmes and services for elderly persons in the state.
Stakeholders at the forum identified several barriers confronting senior citizens during elections, including inaccessible polling units, prolonged waiting periods, mobility challenges, and inadequate voter education.
Participants advocated practical measures such as polling centres with seating arrangements and shaded waiting areas, priority voting for elderly persons, improved voter education through community structures, and enhanced support services to assist older voters during elections.
The event also featured the unveiling of the Senior Citizens’ Support Emblem, an initiative aimed at promoting greater visibility, inclusion, and societal support for older persons across the country.
A major highlight of the gathering was the conferment of an Award of Excellence on Omobolanle Akinyemi Obe in recognition of her leadership and contributions toward advancing policies and programmes that improve the welfare and quality of life of senior citizens in Nigeria.
The NSCC reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with state governments and stakeholders to promote policies and initiatives that support the wellbeing, inclusion, and active participation of older persons in all aspects of national life.
