By GABRIEL OLAWALE & AUGUSTA AGINA
Government at all levels have been urged to put in place policies that would secure the social protection, long-term care and access to public health for the elderly in Nigeria.

Making the call on the 2011 United Nations Day of Older Persons in Nigeria, Dr. Abiodun Oduwole, the CEO/Coordinator , Aging With Grace And Dignity, AGRAD, said such policies are desirable now more than ever.

AGRAD is an NGO advocating for socio economic rights and needs of the elderly in Nigeria. Oduwole  regretted that the elderly was still largely excluded from the wider global, regional and national development agenda.

“At a time when the international community is preparing to take stock of sustainable development and is looking to forge a development agenda for the future, it is important that the needs and contributions of older persons become a bigger part of the picture. Older persons are vibrant and essential contributors to the development and stability of society, and more can and should be done to utilise their potential,” she said.

Guest speaker at the event, Prof. Felicia Oyekanmi saidthe ways in which elders have been able to cope with challenges of life could serve as guidelines for the young.

She  called on all to treat the elderly with the care, love and respect they deserved.